The San Francisco 49ers are coming off another ugly loss after their Week 7 fall to the Seattle Seahawks. Now the team must start to address the future of the franchise and whether or not they have the right roster in place to rebuild in 2016. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Vernon Davis has his name swirling around the rumor mill while Colin Kaepernick is also facing doubt about his future.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the future of Davis is unclear. The tight end has an expiring contract while being owed $4.35 million this season. Through five games this year he has 12 catches and no touchdowns. He has been replaced by Garrett Celek and Vance McDonald on the roster as head coach Jim Tomsula does not seem to be pressure to play the franchise favorite. Considering his manageable contract, a trade for Davis would be an easy move for a contending team. The Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons would all be wise to look at the veteran for help.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Davis would welcome a move from San Francisco. Davis has not requested a trade nor has he spoken about the reports to the media. The 49ers would be wise to shop around for a deal this week if they feel the season is not improving. Giving up Davis would at least earn the team a late draft pick in return.
Kaepernick is also facing questions about his future. According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the 49ers could be keeping the struggling quarterback on the field in hopes that it might generate trade interest in the offseason. Kaepernick is owed $31 million in guaranteed money for injuries only. The team has plenty of flexibility when it comes to his contract and keeping the quarterback on the field could spark a team to take a look at him in the offseason. San Francisco has until April 1 to make a move on the quarterback before his salary becomes fully guaranteed. Unloading Kaepernick would give them a better shot at rebuilding in the coming season. Regardless of the quarterback's struggles, players like Torrey Smith are still in support of Kaepernick.
"It's a tough loss," said Smith, via the team website. "The thing that stands out the most, and obviously we didn't finish the game, but Kap did a hell of a job. I'm very proud of him for how he bounced back after the last few weeks. He put us in a position to win."
Unless a contending team loses their starter, no one is trading for Kaepernick nor are the 49ers shopping the quarterback. However, this offseason could bring interest as teams like the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets must look at the future of the position. If Kaepernick salvages the season, either the 49ers could retain him or another team could make a move in a trade.