Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Latest News & Rumors Before 2016 NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

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January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks on the bench against the St. Louis Rams before the game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks on the bench against the St. Louis Rams before the game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s Trade Request

This isn’t exactly breaking news as quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s trade request is merely the latest in what has been an ongoing saga between the embattled signal-caller and the franchise which selected him in Round 2 of the 2011 NFL draft.

It’s not hard to see why. Amidst a culture of leaks and scapegoats, Kaepernick’s tenure in San Francisco in tenuous at best. A fresh start somewhere else may be the best thing for both parties involved.

But will it happen?

For starters, the 49ers own all the chips here (and no, we’re not talking Chip Kelly). San Francisco may choose to keep Kaepernick on the roster and let him compete for a starting job in 2016. This may resolve concerns whether or not the organization targets a quarterback early on in the NFL draft. But would Kap be happy? And would the 49ers want an $11 million-plus backup if he didn’t win the job outright?

San Francisco could always release him outright prior to April 1, when his guaranteed 2016 money goes into effect. Or they could seek a trade partner.

But that market appears to be pretty dry. The 49ers would, essentially, be selling low — not always the best of options even with a disgruntled player.

In all likelihood, the 49ers will probably wait this one out for a little while. They may choose to let the first wave of free agency pass as teams overspend and use up what cap space they have available.

Quarterback-hungry teams, who may not have likable draft options, may come calling at that point and up the trade value for a quarterback who took his team to the Super Bowl not that long ago.

Next: Sam Bradford Didn't Want to Follow Chip Kelly