Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players the Team Needs to Move On from in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) watches the game action against Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) watches the game action against Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

Yes, quarterback Colin Kaepernick managed to show some signs of rekindling his 2012 success under former head coach Chip Kelly last season.

But this is little more than fool’s gold for a 49ers team in need of a complete overhaul.

True, the Niners have zero immediate solutions on the roster at quarterback. But a clean slate is likely going to be one of the things a new general manager and head coach look at when joining the 49ers this offseason.

Kap was an answer in 2012 and 2013. He’s not any longer.

More from Niner Noise

The quarterback’s contract includes an opt-out clause Kaepernick could exercise this offseason. But it’s highly doubtful he’d command elsewhere the $14.5 million guaranteed money San Francisco would give him if he’s on the roster next season.

And the Niners would save $16.9 million in cap savings if he were released this offseason.

Remember the part about using that kind of money to help rebuild the roster? Yeah, it applies here too.

Next: Creating the Ideal 49ers Team in 2017

More importantly, San Francisco is in need of a fresh start. And that includes one without the services of a former budding NFL star.