When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick restructured his contract in the offseason, allowing him to become a free agent after the season, many took that as a sign that he was planning to move on at the end of the season. However, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Kaepernick still plans to opt out - but there's a good chance he re-signs with them:
It would not be a surprise if Kaepernick was the team's starting quarterback in 2017, sources said. There is still a chance he re-signs with San Francisco this offseason, and it's certainly not something to rule out like it once was.
Kaepernick will, in fact, void his contract before the league year and become a free agent, sources said. This creates a scenario where Kaepernick can test the market, sign a contract that gives him much greater peace of mind, and still end up back with the Niners.
Some factors are at play. First, he's playing great, becoming the quarterback coach Chip Kelly always imagined in his system (even during his time in Philadelphia). Second, the once-strained relationship between the franchise and the quarterback is in a very good place.
The 49ers stood by him while he took a hard social stance -- he appreciated that, and most of the issues that lingered when he nearly was traded to the Broncos have dissipated. Things are good between Kaepernick and the team, and his decision to put his San Jose house on the market this week had nothing to do with football.
This news comes as a bit of a surprise given Kaepernick's benching in their loss to the Bears on Sunday. However, with news that Kelly will definitely be back with the team next season and is so high on Kaepernick shows their desire to keep him around.
Kaepernick has started eight games for the 49ers this season, throwing for 1,444 yards and 10 touchdowns with just three interceptions to go along with rushing for 393 yards and another score.
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