Why 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick Is Traded at NFL Deadline

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 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; 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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49ers week 4 preseason
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly talks to quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Their long-awaited meeting was a disappointment

First, the Chip Kelly offense is designed specifically for Colin Kaepernick’s skill set. He’s a mobile threat with a cannon for an arm, who can take the top off of any defense that gives him a reason to run.

In fact, in the offseason amid all the trade talks, it was rumored Kelly had the final say as to where Colin would spend his 2016 season.

So now that Kelly has him, why isn’t he utilizing him?

He realizes, moving forward, Kaepernick is a distraction to his team. Though Blaine Gabbert is underperforming, at least his focus is on the field whether he does well or not. Kelly gave Kaepernick ample time to come back from his injury. He figured that even with a couple of weeks off in the preseason, Kap could still win the starting job with no trouble at all.

What he got instead was a rusty performance in Week 3 of the preseason, followed by the beginning of Kaepernick’s protest. To turn this franchise around, Kelly needs a leader who is all in. A man that no matter how long his progress takes can keep his mind on the game and the progression of his team.

Keeping all this in mind, here’s the theory. In Kelly’s mind, Kaepernick was the future of this team at the quarterback position. Somewhere along the way all that changed, and now he’s forced to watch the game from the bench. Now that he’s no longer the chosen one, Kap won’t see the field as a starter.

The team held onto Kaepernick during both deadlines because they felt he could be that guy. Now that they know he is not, he will be traded to the highest bidder before, or on, November 1.

Next: The Big Contract Doesn't Belong on the Bench