GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert #2 and Colin Kaepernick take the field prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

For everything that has been going on with Colin Kaepernick this year, it is forgotten by some that he is a backup quarterback in the NFL. Kaepernick started his career with a lightning fast ascension and a contract to match his performance. It looks like that initial lucrative contract is about to be reworked as reports are coming out that the two sides are closing in on a new deal.

When is Colin Kaepernick going to play? A lot of fans are wondering this in light of the 49ers 1-4 start and Blaine Gabbert’s continued poor play at quarterback.

The answer may lie in Kaepernick’s current contract that stipulates that any major injury suffered this season would result in his $14.5 million salary becoming fully guaranteed for next season. As it stands now, there is almost no chance the Niners would bring back Kaepernick at that number any many believe they’re hesitant to play him with that in mind.

With the 49ers as well as Kaepernick motivated the remove that roadblock, NFL Network is reporting that the two were close to a deal. The details from CSN Bay Area:

“Under terms of the original contract, the 49ers would be liable for Kaepernick’s entire $14.5 million base salary for 2017 if he sustains an injury and is unable to pass a physical on April 1, 2017.

In return, the 49ers would be expected to void the final four years of Kaepernick’s contract, making him an unrestricted free agent and eligible to sign with any team upon the opening of the new league year in March 2017.

Kaepernick signed his six-year, $115 million extension in June 2014, following his first full season as the team’s starter.”

When Kelly was asked if the injury guarantee was why he had been holding Kaepernick out, he sounded rather incensed by the question.

“I played him in the first game. Right? So that answers that question.”

Okay then.

Kaepernick has been under an unbelievable amount of scrutiny this season but none of which has pertained to his performance on the field. An altered contract, which would essentially allow him to audition for the starting job with the team next year or for a job elsewhere, may soon see increased scrutiny on the QB as he potentially reclaims his starting job on the struggling Niners.

[CSN Bay Area]

About Sam Blazer

Sam is a self proclaimed chess prodigy. He once placed seventh in the state of Ohio in Chess when he was in kindergarten. He will rarely if ever mention though that only eight people were entered in this tournament. Contact him at sblaze17@gmail.com