Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick Rumors: Friday

March 11th, 2016 at 9:29pm CST by Zachary Links

When Chip Kelly was in charge of the Eagles, we often heard whispers that the coach coveted Colin Kaepernick and viewed him as the right kind of quarterback to lead his offense. Ever since Kelly has arrived in San Francisco, however, we’ve heard nothing but trade talk. After the first waive of free agency has left the Broncos, Jets, Browns, and other teams with question marks under center, the Kaepernick trade buzz has only gotten louder.

Here is the very latest on No. 7:

The Browns are willing to part with their third-round pick in 2016 for Kaepernick, but only if he restructures his contract, sources tell Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The 49ers want a second-round selection for Kaepernick, writes Cabot, who adds that Cleveland’s third-rounder (the second pick in that round) comes quite close to qualifying as one. The Broncos have the 63rd pick, but they don’t want to deal it for Kaepernick, tweets Albert Breer of NFL.com. Given that the Browns are likely to draft a quarterback in the first two rounds this year – perhaps as high as No. 2 overall – they might be averse to paying Kaepernick more than $7MM-$8MM per year (excluding potential incentives), according to Cabot. Kaepernick’s current average annual value is $19MM. Acquiring him would likely put veteran Josh McCown on Cleveland’s trading block, per Cabot.

Earlier updates:

The Broncos and 49ers remain apart when it comes to compensation on Kaepernick, according to Michael Silver of the NFL Network. Per Silver, the Browns and Niners are more on the same page regarding trade compensation, but Kaepernick’s agents and the Browns haven’t been able to make much progress on a rework deal for the quarterback. The NFL Network reporter notes that the 49ers are preparing for the possibility of keeping Kaepernick.
Silver tweets that the biggest question marks are whether the Broncos will increase their trade offer or whether the Browns will increase their contract offer for Kaepernick.
Kaepernick wants to play for the Browns, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. The quarterback has respect for new head coach Hue Jackson, making Cleveland an attractive destination for him. In the Kaepernick sweepstakes, the Browns are considered to be a more realistic trade partner than the Jets, who aren’t believed to be a serious suitor. The Broncos are also serious about him and may consider Kaepernick their top quarterback target.
As long as Kaepernick isn’t dead set against joining a particular team, the 49ers will drive the decision and not the player, Michael Silver of NFL Network tweets.
The Browns are still trying to trade for Kaepernick, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. The Broncos are still actively in talks with the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
There is “no rush” by the 49ers to trade Kaepernick, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets.
Mike Florio of PFT believes the 49ers are intent on trading Kaepernick. Otherwise, he argues, they’d shooting down any trade rumors that come their way. Instead, Florio suspects that they are the source of many of these leaks.

La Canfora’s Latest: Kap, Glennon, Manziel

March 11th, 2016 at 3:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

Colin Kaepernick‘s contract won’t be a stumbling block in a quarterback-needy team’s potential deal for the polarizing passer, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports.

Citing the deals given to Sam Bradford, Brock Osweiler and career backup Chase Daniel, La Canfora notes Kapernick’s contract — which the 49ers can shed prior to April 1 — represents less risk than the deals handed to the aforementioned signal-callers. Following this season, a team that trades for Kaepernick could move on from him and take on barely any dead money.

La Canfora, though, expects the 49ers to cut Kaepernick before his $11.9MM base salary becomes guaranteed in April. This will affect the kind of compensation teams are willing to provide in exchange for Kaepernick’s services, La Canfora notes.

The Browns have emerged as the latest team in the driver’s seat for Kaepernick, but the 49ers aren’t in a rush to make a deal. The Broncos, though, strike La Canfora as the best possible landing site for the 28-year-old passer. La Canfora doesn’t believe Ryan Fitzpatrick or Robert Griffin III are too appealing to the Broncos’ brass.

Here are more items from the CBS Sports reporter, beginning with another possible Peyton Manning replacement.

The Buccaneers turned down a second-round pick from an unknown team in exchange for Mike Glennon, La Canfora writes. Despite the 26-year-old backup quarterback’s contract expiring after this season, the Bucs are inclined to keep Glennon as of now.
La Canfora can’t envision a team taking a chance on signing Johnny Manziel after he clears waivers following his turbulent and ineffective Browns tenure and hasn’t heard any buzz surrounding a potential landing spot for the third-year quarterback.
Most personnel men La Canfora’s conversed with rate Derek Wolfe as superior to Malik Jackson, and La Canfora notes the former probably has buyer’s remorse after signing a team-friendly four-year, $36.7MM deal with the Broncos only to watch Jackson land with the Jaguars on a six-year, $85.5MM accord. Pro Football Focus rated Jackson as the far superior player in 2014, when both were healthy after a seizure derailed Wolfe in 2013, but tabbed Wolfe as having a better 2015 season.
Following the signings of Janoris Jenkins and Sean Smith, Patrick Robinson should be the most coveted cornerback in the remaining crop, La Canfora writes. Robinson had a bounce-back season with the Chargers, but Prince Amukamara and Casey Hayward remain unsigned as well. The respective markets for that duo’s services could well surpass Robinson’s.
La Canfora expects a run on defensive linemen to come this weekend, with the Bears, Jets, Steelers and Washington being the teams who will be atop the list of suitors. Greg Hardy, Robert Ayers and Nick Fairley are among the best still available.
Donald Penn would be a suitable replacement for Russell Okung with the Seahawks, La Canfora writes. Penn probably won’t require the annual commitment of Okung as he’s going on his age-33 season. Okung is visiting the Giants and Lions today. Although multiple teams have shown interest, Penn has yet to meet with any teams after his two-year Raiders contract expired.

Free Agent Rumors: Weddle, Kerley, Broncos

March 10th, 2016 at 9:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here’s the latest from some of the free agents yet to sign on Day 2.

Eric Weddle won’t be in a rush to determine his new location, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). Despite the eagerness Weddle displayed to leave San Diego during his acrimonious final days with the Chargers, the 10th-year safety figures to take his time and mull the options that present themselves to the 31-year-old two-time first-team All-Pro, La Canfora notes. Weddle, though, has four teams after him, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune tweets. One of those is the Raiders, as expected.
Although it will take more than just money to secure the services of Colin Kaepernick given that he’s under contract with the 49ers, the sixth-year quarterback was high among the Broncos‘ plan B options, a source told 9News’ Mike Klis before Brock Osweiler agreed to the four-year, $72MM that sent him to Houston.
Should the Broncos not be able to pry Kaepernick away from the 49ers or sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, one of their options should be a two-pronged approach, Klis writes, involving a trade for either Brian Hoyer or Nick Foles and selecting a quarterback in the first round. While Fitzpatrick wants a salary in line with other franchise QBs at ~$16MM AAV, Foles’ salary for 2016 is $7.75MM and Hoyer set to earn $4.86MM. Klis, who rates this as the No. 1 option the Broncos should consider, lists Connor Cook and Dak Prescott as QBs that will be available at No. 31.
The Chiefs‘ perpetual search for a No. 2 wide receiver will continue when the team hosts Jeremy Kerley on a visit, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Kerley will meet with the Chiefs on Friday, ESPN.com’s Josina Anderson reports (via Twitter). The Jets recently released Kerley despite having signed the slot receiver to an extension in Oct. 2014. Kerley, who will be 28 this year, finished with career-worst numbers after being phased out of Chan Gailey‘s offense as Eric Decker took over primary slot duties. Kerley’s best season came in 2012, when he caught 56 passes for 827 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn’t topped 550 yards since.
Rafael Bush will visit the Lions on Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. A torn pectoral muscle sidelined Bush after one game last season, but he started in 13 combined contests in 2013-14 for the Saints.

Latest On Colin Kaepernick

March 10th, 2016 at 7:58pm CST by Zachary Links

7:58pm: The Kaepernick derby looks to extend into Friday, with the Jets, Browns, Broncos and 49ers in a holding pattern right now, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).

The Jets remain far apart in contract talks with Ryan Fitzpatrick and could be considering Brian Hoyer as well. The Browns are considered to be more serious about a Kaepernick deal than the Jets are as well, with the polarizing sixth-year passer being the Broncos’ top quarterback target.

3:15pm: There has been no recent movement in trade talks involving Colin Kaepernick, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (on Twitter). That means that things are quiet currently between the 49ers and the Broncos, Browns, and Jets, but Maiocco (link) cautions that things could heat up quickly.

In fact, Mike Silver of NFL.com (on Twitter) believes that a move will go down in the next 24 hours.

Right now, things are two-pronged as the 49ers need to find a suitable trade and any team looking to acquire Kaepernick needs to work out contract issues with the player (link via Maiocco). No. 7 still has five years left on his hefty $114MM extension, though 2015-2017 are guaranteed for injury only.

The Jets believe that Kaepernick is on his way to the Broncos, Manish Mehta of the Daily News tweets. The Broncos have been heavily connected to Kaepernick over the last 24 hours after watching Brock Osweiler sign a lucrative four-year, $72MM deal with the Texans.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Texans Sign Brock Osweiler To Four-Year Deal

March 10th, 2016 at 3:46pm CST by Luke Adams

THURSDAY, 3:46pm: The Texans have formally announced the Osweiler signing, introducing him today a press conference.

WEDNESDAY, 2:31pm: Osweiler got $37MM guaranteed from Houston on a four-year deal, according to Broncos players that spoke with Renck (on Twitter). In total, it’s a four-year, $72MM contract, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (link).

2:28pm: Teammates are hearing that Osweiler got a four-year deal from the Texans with a serious guarantee in money, Troy Renck of The Denver Post tweets.

Meanwhile, a 49ers source insists that the team has no interest in trading quarterback Colin Kaepernick despite reported interest from the Broncos, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets.

2:22pm: Osweiler’s deal will likely come around the $16MM/yr range, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets. Denver offered $13MM originally were willing to move a bit higher, but it sounds like the Texans edged them out by a considerable amount.

Photo courtesy of @ProFootballRumors on Instagram

2:09pm: It appears neither of the two quarterbacks that helped the Broncos reach and win the Super Bowl this past season will be returning to Denver for the 2016 campaign. According to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link), Brock Osweiler had reached an agreement in principle with the Texans. The news comes on the heels of Peyton Manning‘s retirement announcement.

The Texans finished 24th in offensive DVOA last season, and while it’s hard to place all the blame for that ranking on the shoulders of Brian Hoyer, there’s no question that the Texans could benefit from the addition of Osweiler. For a long time, the belief has been that the Texans are a “quarterback away” from becoming a legitimate threat. Now, we’ll find out if that’s really the case. Despite the struggles in their passing game, it should be noted that the Houston’s passing attack actually rated better in DVOA than its running game did. Signing Osweiler goes a long way towards fixing the problem, but it’s not the only issue that needs to be addressed.

Earlier this month, the Broncos reportedly offered Osweiler a three-year deal worth roughly $39MM. The Texans, ostensibly, have topped that offer. The Texans have long been expected to make a “competitive” offer to Osweiler. Per reports, $15-16MM was the figure Osweiler was targeting and it will be interesting to see where his contract falls.

With Osweiler off to Houston, Robert Griffin III is on the Broncos’ list of replacement quarterbacks, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). RG3 could be visiting Denver this week, he adds.

With Osweiler now in the fold, the Texans will likely release one-time starter Brian Hoyer, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Hoyer, 30, was set to enter the second year of a two-year deal, and while he has a base salary of $4MM, none of it is guaranteed. Given that his gameday roster bonuses would also be cleared out, Hoyer’s release would save Houston nearly $5MM in cap space. Hoyer wasn’t awful last season, as he completed about 61% of his passes for 17 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. Still, Hoyer did finish 20th in Football Outsiders’ DYAR metric.

It’s hard to judge Osweiler’s value as a whole, given that he’s started only seven games during his four-year career, but the demand of the open market is what dictates the price. Of course, there are not a whole lot of capable quarterbacks available in free agency and the trade market never offers rock solid signal callers either. In Osweiler, the Texans have added a promising young quarterback who showed glimpses of promise in his time on the field in 2015.

Osweiler, predictably, was rated as PFR’s No. 1 free agent quarterback for the 2016 offseason. Overall, we slated Osweiler as the third-best free agent available, behind defensive linemen Olivier Vernon and Malik Jackson.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

QB Rumors: RG3, Kaepernick, Jets, Hoyer

March 10th, 2016 at 11:52am CST by Zachary Links

If Colin Kaepernick leaves for the Broncos, Browns, or Jets, Ed Werder of ESPN.com (on Twitter) expects 49ers head coach Chip Kelly to have serious interest in Robert Griffin III. RG3 has already been connected to the Broncos, but it sounds like this week’s game of quarterback musical chairs could put the Baylor product in San Francisco instead.

Here are the latest QB rumors:

If the cannot re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) expects the Jets to inquire about Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer. As Rapoport notes, the Jets already traded for one Texans QB in Fitzpatrick last year. Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter) notes that the Jets talked to Hoyer last year, but they preferred Fitzpatrick to him.
Hoyer is expected to exit the Texans‘ roster “sooner than later,” a source tells Mike Florio of PFT.
The Jets have yet to “put their cards on the table” with regards to their talks for Kaepernick, a source tells Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Before making a move for Kaepernick, the Jets could be waiting to see if they can first get a new deal done with Fitzpatrick.
Quarterback Scott Tolzien will visit with the Colts today, Tom Silverstein of the Journal-Sentinel tweets. The Bears are also showing interest in the Packers free agent.

Broncos, Browns, Jets Pursuing Colin Kaepernick

March 10th, 2016 at 10:53am CST by Zachary Links

10:53am: Even if the Browns landed Colin Kaepernick, they’d still be looking hard at drafting a quarterback with the No. 2 pick, according to NFL Network’s Michael Silver (Twitter link via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal).

Silver also says that the Browns are “far more serious” about acquiring Kaepernick than the Jets are (Twitter link via Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday).

10:29am: The offers for Kaepernick have not yet been good enough for the 49ers to make a deal, a source tells Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (on Twitter). In addition to the Broncos, the Jets and Browns are involved. The Broncos are still the frontrunners, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee tweets.

10:24am: The Broncos are out in front trying to trade for Kaepernick, but two other teams are involved on the QB, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

9:54am: Colin Kaepernick is the Broncos’ chief target at this time, according to Michael Silver of NFL.com (on Twitter), who believes that the Broncos will go after him via trade. The 49ers likely want a second-round pick while the Broncos may be willing to part with a third-round choice (link). Silver hears (link) that Kaepernick is likely willing to restructure his contract to the Broncos’ liking, though his deal is already somewhat team-friendly.

The 49ers received “some calls” on Kaepernick yesterday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, but nothing too serious. Things are expected to ramp up today when it comes to No. 7.

On Wednesday, a 49ers source told Jason Cole of Bleacher Report that the team has no interest in moving Kaepernick, though it seems possible that the team is only trying to build leverage in trade talks. The agents for Kaepernick requested permission from the 49ers to seek a trade late last month and there has been talk of new coach Chip Kelly not being too fond of him, so it stands to reason that the would listen on trade inquiries.

If the 49ers aren’t willing to move Kaepernick this week, things could linger on into next month. The QB’s $11.9MM salary for 2016 will become fully guaranteed on April 1st and that deadline could spur action on San Francisco’s part.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

QB Rumors: Osweiler, Kaepernick, Broncos

March 9th, 2016 at 10:10am CST by Zachary Links

Are the Broncos on the verge of losing quarterback Brock Osweiler? If Osweiler takes a visit the Texans, one league source believes that he will not return to Denver, Mike Florio of PFT writes.

A report last night indicated that the Broncos have not spoken to Osweiler’s reps since making an initial three-year offer several days ago, so things are not necessarily looking good for an Osweiler return. However, Mike Klis of 9News says the two sides will resume negotiations today before the new league year begins, and Klis will be surprised if Osweiler leaves Denver.

Here’s the latest on the league’s available signal callers:

If the Broncos lose Brock Osweiler, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) says they’re backup plan will be to make a play for 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. The agents for quarterback Kaepernick requested permission from the 49ers to seek a trade late last month. The 28-year-old started eight games for the Niners in 2015, completing just 59.0% of his passes and throwing only six touchdowns to five interceptions. Blaine Gabbert took over as San Francisco’s starter in the second half while Kaepernick dealt with multiple injury issues. While some observers believe that Kelly’s offensive system would be ideal for Kaepernick as he aims to bounce back in 2016, it seems as if the quarterback may prefer to get a fresh start elsewhere.
Drew Brees’ agent Tom Condon says that extension talks are expected to happen at some point down the road with the Saints. “The club had the right to renegotiate for cap purposes during the life of the contract and has done that, which pushed the cap number to $30MM this year,” Condon said on The Rich Eisen Show (via PFT). “That’s where it stands right now. I’m guessing that we’ll probably have some conversations with the Saints in the next couple weeks or so.”
Michael Vick says that he will not extend his playing career beyond 2016, as Josina Anderson of ESPN.com tweets. “I’m willing to wait the entire year out, but it’s definitely going to be it for me (after that).” “I still want to play one more year… I’m going to keep my options open and not rush into it.,” Vick said (link).

West Notes: Rams, Manning, Kaepernick

March 1st, 2016 at 8:10pm CST by Luke Adams

The Rams placed the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson earlier today, and general manager Les Snead was certainly enthused that the NFC’s interception leader would be staying with the organization.

“Since we drafted Trumaine in 2012, he has developed into an integral part of our defense,” Snead told Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News (via Twitter). “We look forward to having him with us this season and more to come.”

Let’s check out some more notes from the NFC’s Western divisions…

Recycling a theory he proposed in relation to the Calvin Johnson situation in Detroit, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wonders if Peyton Manning might want the Broncos to release him before he makes a retirement decision, since that would allow him greater freedom down the road in the event that he decides to continue his career.
Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com explains why the Rams look like the most logical trade partner for the 49ers if San Francisco decides to grant Colin Kaepernick‘s agents request to seek out a deal for their client.
Fresno State assistant – and former NFL defensive back – Ricky Manning Jr. is set to join the Seahawks as an assistant defensive backs coach, according to Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee (Twitter link).
The Rams are also making a change to their coaching staff, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports, who tweets that assistant linebackers coach Joe Bowden has been moved to an assistant special teams role.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Colin Kaepernick’s Reps Request Permission To Seek Trade

February 28th, 2016 at 5:28pm CST by Luke Adams

SUNDAY, 5:28pm: When asked about the report Kaepernick’s representatives are seeking to move the quarterback out of San Francisco, 49ers owner Jed York told the San Jose Mercury News’ Mark Purdy, “I haven’t talked to his people, and I try to stay away from what the agents say. I know what our feeling is. We want Kap to be healthy. And we’d like to see Kap here. … And I think when you look at what Chip’s offensive philosophy is, I think Kap is a very good fit for that. I think Chip has said that. We expect Kap to be here.”

Mike Florio of Pro Football talk interprets York’s insistence on keeping Kaepernick as a way to drive up the sixth-year quarterback’s market. York also acknowledges in the tampering bonanza that is the Combine, agents don’t exactly need permission to engage in talks with other teams.

“I’ve been around the NFL long enough to know that you don’t need to grant agents permission to make phone calls,” York told Purdy. “So, again, we’re not actively doing anything. I can’t stop somebody from reaching out. But our opinion is, we’d like Kap to be here.”

SATURDAY, 6:00pm: Kaepernick’s money isn’t guaranteed until April 1, but the 49ers are willing to move that date up if he commits to staying with the club, tweets Rapoport.

5:05pm: The 49ers hope to keep Kaepernick, who hasn’t yet received permission to seek a trade, according to Rapoport (Twitter link). If the 49ers do allow Kaepernick to look for a deal, Rapoport expects the Texans and Browns to have interest in acquiring him.

THURSDAY, 7:08pm: It would be a “major upset” if Kaepernick remained a 49er, tweets CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.

6:30pm: If Kaepernick wants to seek a trade and keep his guaranteed money, he’ll need written permission from the 49ers, something he doesn’t have yet, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Further, Kelly wants Kaepernick to compete for the 49ers’ starting job, per Rapoport, who adds (on Twitter) that there won’t be a quick resolution to this situation.

In the event Kaepernick is dealt, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee expects him to end up with an AFC team. The Broncos, Browns, Jets and Texans are possible suitors, according to Barrows (Twitter link).

5:21pm: The agents for quarterback Colin Kaepernick have requested permission from the 49ers to seek a trade, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link).

Getlin’s report is almost comically timed, coming on the heels of general manager Trent Baalke insisting that Kaepernick will remain on the Niners’ roster through his salary guarantee deadline (April 1st) and head coach Chip Kelly saying today that he fully believes the quarterback wants to stay in San Francisco. Assuming Getlin’s report is accurate, it looks like the 49ers’ decision-makers may have been trying to sell a different narrative this week at the combine, perhaps in order to maintain leverage and pump up Kaepernick’s stock.

Tim Kawakami of San Jose Mercury News wrote on Tuesday that Kaepernick “understandably remains generally distrustful of team management’s motivations,” following a year in which he was benched and was the subject of unflattering leaks to media. The 28-year-old started eight games for the Niners in 2015, completing just 59.0% of his passes and throwing only six touchdowns to five interceptions. Blaine Gabbert took over as San Francisco’s starter in the second half while Kaepernick dealt with multiple injury issues.

While some observers believe that Kelly’s offensive system would be ideal for Kaepernick as he aims to bounce back in 2016, it seems as if the quarterback may prefer to get a fresh start elsewhere. If that’s the case, April 1st will be a key deadline — if the quarterback remains on the team’s roster beyond that day, his $11.9MM salary for 2016 will become fully guaranteed.

Of course, assuming the team grants Kaepernick’s representatives permission to explore a trade, any deal might have to take place sooner rather than later. Quarterback-needy teams likely won’t want to wait long after the new league year begins on March 9th to address the position, unless they intend to select a QB in the draft.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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