Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Best Position Battles to Watch This Offseason

By Rob Lowder

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) leaves the game as quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) enters the game during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) leaves the game as quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) enters the game during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi /

Quarterback

Roster: Blaine Gabbert, Colin Kaepernick, Jeff Driskel, Thad Lewis

While it may only be for a single spot involving two players, there is no doubt that the best position battle of the 2016 offseason will be between Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick for the role of the 49ers starting signal-caller.

After a terrible start to the 2015 season, Colin Kaepernick was benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert. This fact alone is enough to set social media ablaze at the mere mention of its merits.

He may not have been a significant upgrade, but Gabbert performed admirably while also seemingly capturing the support and following of the rest of the locker room.

This support has continued into the 2016 offseason, as Gabbert looks to seamlessly transition from one starting season to the next. Cam Inman elaborates:

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) look on before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) look on before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi /

"Blaine Gabbert, in his first media session since January, talked and practiced Tuesday as you’d expect of the 49ers starting quarterback. And, for now, Gabbert indeed is the incumbent in that role. Colin Kaepernick still is not medically cleared to fully compete on the practice field, where organized team activities began Tuesday."

While Gabbert becomes better acquainted with Chip’s offense on the field, Kaepernick stands behind him, shadowing his movement until he is cleared to practice.

The QB who at one point was hoping to be traded is now waiting for his moment to recapture what he still likely feels is his. Once Kaepernick is cleared to resume, this will mark the official start to the roster battle for the 49ers starting quarterback.

No competition will be more promoted, headlined and hotly contested by media, analysts, and fans alike.

Blaine Gabbert versus Colin Kaepernick will be the grand finale in an offseason that will be filled with intriguing position battles that are far from settled.

Next: 5 UDFAs Who Might Make the Roster

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of CBSsports.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.