NFL Trade Rumors 2016: 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick Reportedly Planning to Leave Team to Join New York Jets

By Carlo Monzon
Colin Kaepernick
San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 9, 2012. Flickr / Mike Morbeck

After spending a disappointing season with the San Francisco 49ers, quarterback Colin Kaepernick is reportedly considering leaving the team to sign with the New York Jets. Although this is still unconfirmed, reports indicated that the Jets are already aware of the athlete's plans and are currently considering whether to get him or not, NY Daily News reported.

Kaepernick has been with the 49ers since 2011 and in 2014, he signed a long-term deal with the team for $114 million. However, as seen in last seen, the quarterback struggled on the field under the guidance of newcomer coach Jim Tomsula. Then, following a devastating loss to the St. Louis Rams, rumors surfaced that Blaine Gabbert will replace Kaepernick as the team's starting quarterback. For the athlete, the 2015 season ended in November after he was benched due to an injured shoulder.

Anyone in the NFL would probably feel disenchanted with their team if they were in the shoes of Kaepernick. This is probably why instead of soldiering on with the 49ers, Kaepernick is thinking of leaving the team.

However, if this does happen, one of the major obstacles that the Jets will face is Kaepernick's current contract with the 49ers, which is still good for five more years. But, as noted by SB Nation, all parties involved in the potential trade can get around this if the 49ers decide to let Kaepernick go before April 1, which is when his $11.9 million base salary will be guaranteed. In turn, doing so will benefit the San Francisco team since cutting the athlete will allow them to save $8.5 million.

Rumors about Kaepernick's desire to join the Jets have already reached New York, and the team is intrigued regarding the possibility of acquiring the quarterback. However, the team apparently does not want to make a quick decision about getting him since it is still in the early stages of analyzing its current roster.

Also, even before news about Kaepernick's plans to change teams broke out, the Jets have already been endorsing Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback for the 2016 season. With Kaepernick on the roster, it could affect the Jets' plans for having Fitzpatrick lead the team.

Also, Jets' wide receiver Brandon Marshall said that he is more for having Fitzpatrick as a teammate than Kaepernick. Although he still believes in the capabilities of the latter, he is more comfortable with the playing style of the former.

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