The San Francisco 49ers have a new coach in Jim Tomsula and moving forward there could be some major changes, as Colin Kaepernick has a contract that can be looked at year to year, while names like Frank Gore, Mike Iupati and Michael Crabtree could be gone in free agency and this comes as players like Vernon Davis and Ahmad Brooks could end up as salary cap casualties.
The Niners come into 2015 after moving on from Jim Harbaugh and that leaves some big shoes to fill for Tomsula. Harbaugh and the Niners mutually parted ways and now Harbaugh is with Michigan. The Niners won 44 games over the past four seasons and Harbaugh helped the team establish Kaepernick as the starting quarterback. With Tomsula now taking over there could be some major changes, as Pro Football Talk reports that Frank Gore and Crabtree may not return in 2015.
Gore is a player that should get attention on the free agent market, as he has been a durable and consistently productive back during his career. According to Pro Football Talk, CSN Bay Area reports that Gore will be a target for the Washington Redskins, as they just hired Scot McCloughan as general manager and he has a strong connection to Gore. McCloughan drafted Gore in San Fran and has spoken openly at how much he admires him as a player.
With Roy Helu becoming a free agent, the Redskins sure could use a complimentary back for Alfred Morris and Gore could be a perfect fit. Gore and Carlos Hyde were the main backs for the Niners last season and they could look at elevating Hyde to starter status now. Gore rushed for 1100 yards last season and at 31 he shows no signs of slowing down. Gore has not missed a game in four seasons and has rushed for over 1000 yards in each of them, including 1212 in 2012.
Vernon Davis is also a potential option, as he could be a cap casualty this year after the way he has declined. Davis will be 31 and the team can save money on his $5 million salary if they let him go. Davis could be a target for the Redskins, as Niles Paul is a free agent and Jordan Reed dealt with injury issues last year.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News also wrote about potential changes that could come up after this season and moving forward, including with Kaepernick. Kaepernick took a step back as a starter last year from his performances in 2012 and 2013 and the team could evaluate whether to stick with the QB if he doesn't bounce back this year. Kawakami writes that Kaepernick's contract allows the Niners to look at him each year and they can "walk away with no further financial obligation" on April 1 for each of the next five seasons.
Kaepernick will be dealing with a new offensive coordinator in Geep Chryst (real name) after Greg Roman left following Harbaugh's departure and that could take time to get used to. Kaepernick struggled at times last year and the Niners finished near the bottom of the league in passing yards per game on offense.
