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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Starters Who Might Not Make the 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

OK, so this idea may really be out of the box.

But it wasn’t long ago when 49ers fans were hearing nothing but quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his trade speculation. Kap wanted out, the Denver Broncos were interested and the 49ers didn’t budge on the sale price.

So Kaepernick is still with the Niners. And he’s competing for a starting job alongside fellow QB Blaine Gabbert.

All is well, right?

First, let’s get Kaepernick’s contract out of the way. While lucrative to an extent, the team can opt out at various points throughout. But it’s extremely unlikely they would have done so by now, considering the guaranteed money involved for this season.

Let’s take any sort of release this season off the table. But can we rule out a trade at the end of the preseason altogether?

If Gabbert wins the starting job, Kaepernick becomes a $15-plus million backup. OK, so the Niners don’t have cap issues. No biggie. But would Kaepernick be happy or would the trade requests suddenly resurface?

And the Broncos, a team relying on veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez and rookie signal-caller Paxton Lynch, may not have a clear answer under center either.

Can you connect the dots? Maybe, maybe, this chatter resumes.

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Again, this is highly unlikely. And it would have to take one of the three parties budging on the elements which held up the trade discussions earlier this offseason.

Besides, even if Gabbert wins out for Week 1, there isn’t any guarantee he’d hold onto that role for the duration of 2016.

And Kaepernick would be waiting in the folds for another chance.

But who knows?

Next: Bubble-Watch Players on 49ers Roster

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