The San Francisco 49ers benched Colin Kaepernick in favor of Blaine Gabbert earlier this season. The team placed Kaepernick on injured reserve a few days, ending his season and possibly his time with the 49ers. It's been a stunning fall from grace for Kaepernick, who was one play away from winning Super Bowl.
Kaepernick is unlikely to play again for the 49ers, and there are already reports the 49ers are going to try to trade their former franchise QB. Kaepernick has a contract with limited guaranteed money, but a large base salary. That's why the 49ers are trying to deal him, because they won't pay him to sit on the bench. That also hurts his value in the trade market, so the 49ers might not get much for him in an offseason trade. There's also the chance the 49ers will just cut him outright.
However, there are a few teams that need quarterback help and could take a chance on Kaepernick finding his previous form. With that in mind, here are four teams that could trade for Colin Kaepernick.
4. New York Jets
Ryan Fitzpatrick is a short-term option and he's not the QB to lead the Jets for years to come. Geno Smith certainly isn't the answer, and Kaepernick would be a major upgrade over Smith. Bryce Petty is still years away from contributing. Chan Gailey is the Jets' coordinator, and he prefers a mobile QB. Going to New York and its media market might not be the best thing for Kaepernick, but he could be the franchise QB for the Jets.
3. Houston Texans
Bill O'Brien is a QB guru, and it's impressive he's gotten the Texans as far as he has given his current crop of QBs. Kaepernick needs work as a passer, and there are few coaches better at getting the most out of their QBs than O'Brien. Kaepernick makes sense for the Texans, especially since they might be drafting too late to grab a true franchise QB. Taking a chance on Kaepernick could be enough to boost the Texans past the Colts in the AFC South.
2. Cleveland Browns
This assumes that the Johnny Manziel Era doesn't work out. If Manziel struggles, then the Browns might elect to bypass a QB in the Draft and go right for Kaepernick. Josh McCown is a backup at best, but he'd be a good veteran presence for Kaepernick. That's something he lacked in San Francisco. The Browns might be able to get Kaepernick for a mid-to-late rounder, which would allow them to spend their first rounder on a weapon that they need.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Kaepernick to the Eagles is a perfect match. He'd fit in perfectly in Chip Kelly's offense and would likely find his previous form. Sam Bradford clearly isn't the answer at QB and Mark Sanchez is best left as a backup. Kaepernick and the Eagles actually almost makes too much sense. The Eagles offense has issues, but adding Kaepernick next offseason could fix them.
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