SANTA CLARA — When Colin Kaepernick restructured his contract in October, it was viewed by many as a win-win for both the player and the team.
But as time drags on, it could be Kaepernick who is actually viewed as the victor of the deal.
Tuesday in the locker room, Kaepernick admitted he’s thought about staying with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. His contract has an opt out clause he controls after the season, not the team.
“I’m under a two-year deal right now,” Kaepernick said. “My plan right now is that I’m focused on this team.”
After the season, it’s entirely up to Kap if he wants to test free agency. And because his market could be entirely dry, there’s a chance he decides to stay with the 49ers.
As part of the restructured deal, the 49ers are paying Kaepernick $15.2 million in 2016. They’ll owe him $3.7 million in 2017, a fair deal for a backup. According to Spotrac.com, if they cut him, the 49ers will still owe Kaepernick the $3.7 million. Depending on who they bring in, that’s a bridge they’ll have to cross on whether saving the money is worth having Kaepernick fighting for the starting job.
In five starts this season, Kaepernick has 7 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and a QB rating of 85.0. This is his sixth season with the 49ers — could he really survive a seventh season?
“There is that feeling out there that we’re not going to be in the playoffs, but we still have an opportunity to do some good things and build on for next year,” Kaepernick said on Tuesday.
While his play has certainly been better than Blaine Gabbert’s — and also isn’t the exclusive reason for why the 49ers are god awful — I’ve argued the time is approaching to see if Christian Ponder could be in this team’s future plans for 2017. Ponder fits the mold of a sharp, prototypical backup quarterback who isn’t trying to prove to the world he’s still an NFL starter.
Kaepernick should be commended for helping bring this locker room closer together, though. Although you can question their desire to win, you won’t find many 1-9 football teams that get along better than the 49ers.
“I think we realize the people in this locker room are the ones that are going to change the outcome of these games and change the course that we’re on,” Kaepernick said. “It’s going to take all of us. That’s what this team’s focus is and it helps keep it together.”
Teams who could be in the hunt for a starting quarterback include the Jets, Browns, Bears and Cardinals. Others could want Kaepernick as a backup.