Niner Noise
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Breaking Down San Francisco 49ers’ 2016 Salary Cap Situation

By Bryan Knowles

Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to pass during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to pass during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks

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The elephant in the room, of course, is Colin Kaepernick’s deal. Kaepernick has not played like a $16 million quarterback in either of the last two seasons, and his future with the club is rocky, at best. There’s some hope that, in Chip Kelly’s new offense, Kaepernick could regain the form that made him a rising star in 2012 and 2013, but it will be a fight against the reality of the last two years of on-field performances.

If the 49ers were up against the salary cap, then Kaepernick would be the most likely cut the 49ers could make; his deal is far too large for his on-field play. However, considering that the 49ers have cap room for days, they could afford to bite his cost for one more season if player, coach and front office all agree to give it another go-round. Reports have Kaepernick wanting out, though.

If Kaepernick does leave, then the 49ers could either sign a free agent—Sam Bradford from Philadelphia being the most likely choice for Chip Kelly’s offense—or take someone in the draft. The 49ers should probably look into adding a draft choice to the position anyway, as there is no clear “quarterback of the future” on the roster.

Next: Running Backs