Niner Noise
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Why 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick Is Traded at NFL Deadline

By James LeBreton

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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November 25, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs off the field following a win over the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The 49ers defeated the Saints 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
November 25, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs off the field following a win over the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The 49ers defeated the Saints 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

The big contract belongs to the starter.

According to the terms of his contract, Colin Kaepernick is owed a base salary of $11.9 million dollars. When he signed the monster deal he was thought to be the starting quarterback of the foreseeable future. It’s been two years since he signed on the dotted line, and Kaepernick is now a backup making starter money.

His base salary is guaranteed, which means whether he plays or not, the organization owes him at least that much.

Furthermore, if he reaches his escalators, he has the opportunity to increase his hefty base salary by $2 million more per year. In his case, an escalator would qualify as being named to the Pro Bowl or taking 80 percent of the teams total snaps. If Kaepernick makes All-Pro then it doesn’t matter how many snaps he takes.

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While it’s true a big contract shouldn’t be given to a backup, if the 49ers are positive that Kaepernick is not their guy, it makes sense for him not to take the field. If they are locked into a figure already, why make it worse if he’s not the leader of the team?

At this stage of the game, he serves the same purpose as fellow quarterback Christian Ponder, except his figure is so much lower. If that’s the case, why not trade Kaepernick and draft the next heir apparent?

Then the team could let Ponder and Gabbert fight it out until their starter is ready to lead the franchise.

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