There’s been a lot of rumor and speculation surrounding a Colin Kaepernick-to-Denver trade, but as the offseason has worn on, the whispers have quieted.
According to multiple reports, though, talks are far from dead.
Talked potential Kaepernick trade on @NFLHQ: Next checkpoint expected to be Apr 2. #49ers may have to prove they won't cut him (they won't.)
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2016
And Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports backs Rapoport’s statement:
“I still hear the Broncos as being the team most interested in actually getting something done and, in the end, other clubs seem willing to call the 49ers’ bluff about keeping the disgruntled quarterback, going ahead and guaranteeing him that $12 million he is due while coming off three surgeries and actually to move forward with Kaepernick as their starter and attempt to rebuild shattered relationships and trust issues.”
Why is this important?
Well, because there’s real reason to believe that the 49ers would decide to part ways with Kaepernick before his $11.9 million salary becomes guaranteed on April 1. While they may have interest in keeping Kaepernick in San Francisco, he’s already made it clear that he wants out, and a disgruntled quarterback who may not even be the franchise’s long-term answer probably isn’t worth $11.9 million.
That’s what Denver, and any other suitor, is banking on.
And if the 49ers were to cut ties with Kaepernick before April 1, Elway seems confident in his ability to lure the free agent to Denver, likely at a cheaper price, too.
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/710635458137444353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
As always, Elway is approaching this situation with a cool, level-headed mind; he’s not going to make a quick decision, even if it is his quarterback position on the line.
“The Broncos don’t seem overly concerned about their poor quarterback position,” La Canfora wrote. “Numerous execs and agents who have been in contact with John Elway say he is just as cool in private about the situation as he appears publically. I wouldn’t bet on him over-bidding on Kaepernick and if does end up taking a flier on someone like Robert Griffin III, I would expect it to be at the team’s price.”
Whether it’s the right move to bring Kaepernick in at whatever price he’s going to demand is a different question, but there’s no question that he’s still very much in the Denver Broncos’ plans.