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San Francisco 49ers: A Way-Too-Early Prediction of the 2017 Starting Lineup

By Peter Panacy

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to snap the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to snap the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) smiles as he looks into the stands after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) smiles as he looks into the stands after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback

Colin Kaepernick

Alright, 49ers fans. The slide with the greatest question mark and the largest area of uncertainty.

Let’s go with Colin Kaepernick under center to start 2017. Is he the long-term solution? Probably not. But there’s a reason why he starts next season.

First off, he’s under contract. And while there seems to be an endless buzz about general manager Trent Baalke wanting to get rid of Kap, indications are head coach Chip Kelly still wants to see if he can work with the embattled quarterback.

Here’s what Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole had to say about it all:

Make what you will of a Cole report. He did suggest former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis was considering a return from retirement, after all.

But it’s no secret there’s tension between Kap and the front office.

And yet Baalke, not Kaepernick, may be the odd man out this offseason.

What about Blaine Gabbert? Well, he’s going to be a free agent this offseason. His less-than-stellar play through two weeks might be enough to convince Kelly and Co. he has no business starting beyond this season.

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Does this mean Kap is the long-term answer?

No. It doesn’t. In all likelihood, the Niners are going to have a fairly high draft pick in 2017. And they’ll have high picks in subsequent rounds too. San Francisco will likely tab a rookie signal-caller early next year. But he’ll ride the bench his rookie season.

Meanwhile, Kaepernick will have a final year to try and prove his worth to someone else in the league.

Next: Lack of 49ers QB Play Will Highlight 2016 Season

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