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San Francisco 49ers: 6 Remaining Storylines to Watch This Offseason

By Nicholas McGee

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) enters the game as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) has to sit out a play during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) enters the game as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) has to sit out a play during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Kaepernick vs. Gabbert

For all the attention the other issues surrounding the 49ers’ roster will receive, the one overriding storyline that will continue to dominate the headlines this offseason is the battle to win the starting quarterback job between Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert.

Kaepernick remains on the 49ers roster despite his request to be traded to another team and now has the challenge of working his way back into contention for the starting role as he recovers from surgeries he underwent in the offseason.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported Kaepernick has resumed throwing “a bit” but, with a healthy Gabbert already working within Chip Kelly’s offense in the early stages of the offseason, he will have work to do to win the job.

However, Kaepernick — per ESPN’s Adam Caplan — is expected to be ready to go by training camp, which will give him ample time to win what is being described as an open competition with Gabbert:

"What they are going to do is simply this: If Kaepernick is ready to go, and everything I’ve heard says that he is, or will be, by the start of training camp, it’s going to be Blaine Gabbert vs Colin Kaepernick, let the best man win. It’s going to be an open competition and I do want to mention one more guy, they really like Jeff Driskel their 6th round pick, really athletic quarterback with a tremendous senior bowl week, he’ll play for the three-spot."

Given their respective performances last season, it is Gabbert who arguably goes in as the favorite.

While Kaepernick’s confidence rapidly eroded, making him a player scared to take risks, and taking away the unpredictability that helped him dominate the league in the early stages of his career, Gabbert looked a rejuvenated and more composed player during his time as the starter.

Gabbert’s numbers from 2015 – 2,031 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions — did not wow anyone but he got the ball out quickly and made smart decisions for the most part.

Accuracy is an issue for both players, who each have the ability to make an impact with their legs, but Kaepernick has the better arm and probably the slightly better upside.

But if Kelly is unable to restore the confidence Kaepernick needs to show off his arm and what he can do on the ground, then Gabbert is the more likely candidate to be under center in Week 1.

Neither player appears a great long-term option at the most important position on the field, but quarterback controversies always provoke intrigue and — with Kaepernick returning to the team after a tumultuous few months — the entire NFL will be keeping a keen eye on who emerges as the 49ers’ starter.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: Breaking Down Depth Chart at Offensive Line

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro Football Reference and Sports Reference unless otherwise indicated.