If the price is right, Colin Kaepernick could join an intriguing quarterback battle on the defending Super Bowl champs.
The San Francisco 49ers have worked out the parameters of an agreement with the Broncos to trade Kaepernick to Denver, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday.
According to Schefter, the deal hinges on whether Kaepernick and the Broncos can agree on a restructured contract. The two sides reportedly “have not been close” but will continue talks to try to work out a deal, sources told Schefter.
Kaepernick’s $11.9 million base salary for 2016 became guaranteed Friday, and he’ll cost the Niners $15.6 million against the cap this season. The Broncos are looking for a “much friendlier cap number and contract” from the QB, according to Schefter.
The 28-year-old quarterback was benched midway through the 2015 season in favor of Blaine Gabbert, just three seasons after he posted a 12-4 record as a starter to guide San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game. Kaepernick’s name has circulated widely in trade talks this offseason, but a report surfaced Tuesday that the Niners will keep him unless they are “blown away” by a trade offer.
If Kaepernick does land in Denver, he’ll enter into a QB competition with Mark Sanchez, who signed with the Broncos on March 11. It’d likely be two-horse race, with Brock Osweiler signing with the Houston Texans and Peyton Manning retiring to leave Denver’s quarterback spot wide open as it begins its title defense.
Thumbnail photo via Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports Images
