The San Francisco 49ers will enter rebuilding this offseason after a disappointing 2015 season regardless of how things end. The biggest question mark for the team entering the offseason is the future of Colin Kaepernick. After getting benched and then placed on injured reserve, it has been highly speculated that the 49ers are prepared to move on from their franchise star. However, is that as much of a guarantee as everyone thinks?
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Kaepernick remains in the future plans for the 49ers. Rapoport said that quarterback met with general manager Trent Baalke and discussed the plan for 2016. That included saying the 49ers are not totally done with the quarterback who signed a very team-friendly contract a year ago. The quarterback has a salary of $13.9 million for next season, but it does not become guaranteed until April 1 meaning the 49ers could quickly move on from the starter with very little repercussions as a result. However, Rapoport writes that might not happen as the 49ers could retain Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert who is starting in his spot.
Kaepernick is currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery at the team facilities. He remains active with the group despite getting put on injured reserve which could be a sign that the 49ers really do intend to retain him. The team could force a quarterback competition next year between Kaepernick and Gabbert who just got the win over the Chicago Bears and appears to be improving each week. With Gabbert starting, the 49ers' offense appears to be running much more effectively despite the number of injuries the unit has faced. He could be the favored guy with Kaepernick acting as backup until trade interest increases.
For now the 49ers are riding the success of Gabbert. The quarterback played well in the game against the Bears despite being short-handed. Carlos Hyde was once again out of the mix which will likely continue for the rest of the season as Shaun Draughn and Travaris Cadet pick up the slack. Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin played well while Vance McDonald suffered a concussion and left the game early. That did not pair well with the injury to Garrett Celek, leaving Blake Bell as the lone healthy tight end on the roster. If Gabbert can get a win with that roster, he should be in consideration to start next season whether Kaepernick comes back or not.
