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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Best Decisions the Team Made This Offseason

By Peter Panacy

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kaepernick, 49ers
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 /

No. 2: Not Trading QB Colin Kaepernick

OK, so the 49ers tried to move embattled quarterback Colin Kaepernick this offseason, per his request to do so.

It made sense a the time. Kap wasn’t happy with the situation he faced in Santa Clara. The front office had thrown him under the bus, and Kaepernick probably would have benefited from a change in scenery.

And the Niners attempted to give him what he wanted, but it made sense they wouldn’t eat a portion of Kaepernick’s deal so he could wind up playing for the Denver Broncos this season.

But it didn’t happen. Now, Kaepernick is faced with a potentially awkward situation this year and a pending position battle with fellow QB Blaine Gabbert. At least Kaepernick doesn’t think it will be awkward, according to this video from Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News:

There’s more to it than just awkward feelings.

Had the 49ers traded Kaepernick, they would have done so when his stock was at its lowest. 2015 marked Kap’s worst season, bar none, at the NFL level. The Niners wouldn’t have received much by the way of compensation for him — at least not without the complications seen with the proposed Denver trade.

Now, Kaepernick at least has the chance to resurrect his career under a head coach with a proven track record of working with underachieving quarterbacks.

Next: No. 1: Building Foundations via the NFL Draft