Colin Kaepernick's season has gone from bad to worse to officially over. According to San Francisco 49ers' general manager Trent Baalke, Kaepernick is being placed on injured reserve following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. The quarterback's season is over and now his future is being placed into question as trade rumors swirl around Kaepernick.
According to Baalke, he is not thinking about the future at the moment. After announcing that Kaepernick's season was done, Baalke remained as non-commital as possible about the following months could hold for the quarterback who once signed a contract that was supposed to make him the franchise star.
"Right now is not the time to get into the particulars," Baalke said, via ESPN.com. "Right now, he's no different than any other player that's been placed on IR. When that surgery takes place, then the rehab process, getting him ready for the offseason program's the next step."
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the 49ers are prepared to seek out trade deals for the quarterback this offseason. Kaepernick is owed $11.9 million in guaranteed money in 2016 if he is on the roster come April 1. That is the team's deadline to determine whether or not he stays in San Francisco or not. Kaepernick has no more guaranteed money left in his $114-million contract which means he is an easy acquisition for another team. According to Rapoport, at least three teams are showing interest in Kaepernick despite no one calling about the quarterback during the mid-season deadline.
A number of teams could be interested in Kaepernick. First and foremost, he is the ideal quarterback to run the offense of Chip Kelly. The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with Sam Bradford's expiring contract. With a shoulder injury now on his resume, the quarterback might not be favored for the future like many believed. Kaepernick could be the ideal fit, but do the Eagles want to make yet another quarterback trade in the offseason after last year?
Several teams need quarterback help, but the question is whether or not Kaepernick's style of play means he could be a good fit. The Cleveland Browns have doubt in Johnny Manziel. The New York Jets are not committed to Geno Smith. The Houston Texans have issues with Brian Hoyer. The Buffalo Bills might not believe Tyrod Taylor is the long-term guy. There are plenty of teams that need a new quarterback, but considering the struggles Kaepernick has shown recently, he might not get a lot of interest unless San Francisco sells low on him.
