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NFL Roster Cuts: 5 Best Moves the 49ers Made in Creating 53-Man Roster

By Peter Panacy

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks up the tunnel after a 31-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks up the tunnel after a 31-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Retaining Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

So this one might be a bit controversial, but let’s go ahead and say keeping quarterback Colin Kaepernick on the roster was a good move.

The reason may not exactly be what you think either.

OK, so Kap’s ongoing protests — regardless how you view them — are going to be a distraction to a 49ers team which doesn’t need them. And it’s more than safe to say Kaepernick’s play is nothing like it was back in 2012 and 2013.

To think, Kap was on the verge of being released if he didn’t have a “prove it” game.

While his numbers against the San Diego Chargers weren’t stellar, they were enough to keep the 28-year-old former star around for a little while longer.

Kaepernick’s future with the 49ers may not be safe. At least not in the long run. But what the move does do is put a little more pressure on incumbent No. 1 starter Blaine Gabbert.

So why is this important?

San Francisco faces the Los Angeles Rams, the Carolina Panthers, the Seattle Seahawks, the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals in Weeks 1 through 5, respectively. These matchups feature three playoff teams from a year ago and three NFC West rivalry games.

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Not exactly an easy ride for Gabbert.

Head coach Chip Kelly won’t be afraid to yank Gabbert in exchange for Kaepernick if Kelly feels the former is struggling.

Putting things bluntly, Kaepernick puts a bit of pressure on Gabbert. And that’s what he’ll need for the 49ers offense to resemble anything effective.

Next: Breaking Down Final Wave of 49ers Roster Cuts

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