2016 NFL Draft: 5 Burning Questions Facing the San Francisco 49ers
By Peter Panacy
How Does Colin Kaepernick’s Situation in Santa Clara Affect the Draft?
The ongoing drama between embattled quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers and the Denver Broncos does have implications on what the Niners’ draft plans may be in 2016.
A possible Kap-to-Broncos deal has been held up by the quarterback not willing to take a pay cut from his $11.9 million guaranteed money in 2016. The Broncos are willing to pay $7 million of the deal and would expect the 49ers to cover the remainder. And San Francisco isn’t willing to do this.
So, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the chances of Kaepernick remaining with the 49ers for the 2016 season is about 75 percent.
Things may change quickly though. So a Kaepernick trade can’t be ruled out of the question altogether. But how would such a deal, or no deal, affect the 49ers’ NFL Draft plans?
Should Kaepernick be dealt, the Niners would clearly be on the market for a new franchise quarterback. While former-backup, turned-starting QB Blaine Gabbert may be a short-term answer, San Francisco’s need for a new signal-caller would increase dramatically from what may initially be perceived.
On the flip side, Kaepernick remaining with the 49ers doesn’t rule out the drafting of a quarterback either.
It’s possible the Niners keep Kap on the roster for the 2016 season, draft a quarterback anyway and look to deal Kaepernick in advance of the 2017 season, if not earlier. Kaepernick stock has never been lower, and the 49ers would prefer to sell high on him. As the team’s next young quarterback develops, the Niners may look to squeeze the maximum amount of value into their former star.
If that works, Kaepernick may command much more on the trade market just less than a year from now.
Next: What Side of the Ball do the Niners Value Most?