2016 NFL Trade Rumors: Ryan Fitzpatrick Could End Up With SF 49ers Depending on Kaepernick-Broncos Deal

By Carlo Monzon
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick with the Houston Texans. Flickr/Jeffrey Beall

According to new reports, Ryan Fitzpatrick still has a chance of landing a better deal and playing for a new team before the 2016 NFL season kicks off. However, these could still depend on the status of Colin Kaepernick.

Earlier this weekend, ESPN reported that the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers have discussed the trade involving Kaepernick. However, it is not yet clear if the deal will move forward due to a dispute regarding the quarterback's salary.

As noted by the sports news site, Kaepernick has a guaranteed salary of $11.9 million. To make the trade happen, the Broncos has agreed to pay for the bulk of this figure, or specifically $7 million. In turn, both the team and Kaepernick would like San Francisco to settle the remaining $4.9 million.

However, 49ers has refused to pay the remaining balance they reportedly don't want to shell out that amount for an athlete that would not be on its roster.

But, if the deal between the Broncos and 49ers for Kaepernick pushes through, then it could open a new opportunity for Fitzpatrick. Currently, the athlete is a free agent and he's in the market for a new team.

And, without a quarterback, the 49ers could come in to sign Fitzpatrick, according to Inquisitr. Of course, that's up to the team and if it's willing to give a higher offer than what the Jets would like to give Fitzpatrick to retain him, which is $7 million.

For a quarterback with Fitzpatrick's skill set, that offer is pretty low, which is why the athlete is taking his time to look for another team. However, time is running out for the 33-year-old QB because he has until the start of the offseason program on April 18 to find a new franchise.

If he's not able to find one by that time, then he would have no choice but to accept the Jets' low-blow offer.

Originally, Fitzpatrick was looking to the Broncos to sign him up. But now that the Denver is eyeing to secure Kaepernick, the only team he can turn to, which could give him the chance to become a Super Bowl champion, is the 49ers.