West Notes: Kaepernick, Chargers, Raiders

With the Broncos still assessing Colin Kaepernick‘s trade value despite the 49ers quarterback’s $11.9MM base salary becoming guaranteed, the Western divisions have led the way in headline-generating today. Here’s some more from the Kaepernick situation as well as news from other franchises in those divisions.

• In examining the Broncos‘ options regarding Kaepernick, 9News’ Mike Klis mentions a sign-and-trade scenario that may help bridge the gap between the two teams. The longtime Broncos beat reporter mentions converting part of Kaepernick’s salary into a signing bonus, one the 49ers would pay in this instance while Denver would be on the hook for the base pay, could help bring the sides closer together in terms of financial and draft pick compensation. The 49ers possess a league-most $53.8MM in cap space, while the Broncos are carrying the game’s fewest at present at $1.6MM.
• John Elway‘s meeting with Kaepernick could also have been regarding the 28-year-old passer’s progress from the three surgeries he’s undergone in recent months, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports. Barrows also notes (on Twitter) the Broncos and the Steadman Clinic — where Kap’s undergone those procedures on his left shoulder, left knee and right thumb — have a good relationship. So, the Super Bowl champions would have a good idea of the signal-caller’s health prior to potentially pulling the trigger on a trade, Barrows notes.
• The 49ers‘ offseason program begins Monday, and Kaepernick would earn $4MM by attending 90% of the team’s offseason workouts, Barrows reports.
• A significant disagreement on where the Chargers should play long-term in San Diego has emerged between the team and the city after the team’s proposal for a 4% hotel tax hike surfaced earlier this week. City politicians and hotel owners are vehemently against the tax that would help the city contribute the $350MM in public money necessary toward constructing a long-term Chargers stadium, and as a byproduct are against the notion of a downtown Chargers site, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). This contingent still contends the Chargers should play in Mission Valley, where Qualcomm Stadium is located. The Chargers are against this from a revenue standpoint, because in their view a downtown stadium will increase the franchise’s value.
• The Raiders‘ flirtation with Las Vegas continued Friday. Mark Davis made another trip to the city and posed for a photo with key UNLV personnel, Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com reports. Per Bair, the Raiders owner has now made several trips to Las Vegas to discuss a potential future for his franchise there. This visit put Davis directly in touch with UNLV brass after he previously met with local politicians and Las Vegas Sands hotel higher-ups.