Colin Kaepernick wants to be traded from the San Francisco 49ers, and at least several other teams are interested in making that happen.
Multiple reports have indicated the quarterback is pushing for a trade, and according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns and Texans could be potential suitors.
#49ers still hope Colin Kaepernick is their QB in '16. If not, #Texans & #Browns (at least) will have some interest. No trade permission yet
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2016
Now all that’s left is for the 49ers to make a deal happen. Well maybe don’t count on it. Here’s what San Francisco CEO Jed York told the San Jose Mercury News in the team’s first comments on Kaepernick’s status.
“All I can tell you,” York told me, “is that the last conversation I had with Kap was a good conversation. I asked how he was feeling. I hope he’s doing well. I care about his health and well-being because I think he can be a big piece of what we’re doing, going forward.”
So that’s not an outright promise not to trade Kaepernick, but it sounds like York is hoping to convince the quarterback to stick around.
As the 2015 season wound down and Kaepernick sat on the 49ers bench, it seemed like a trade was inevitable. But then the team hired Chip Kelly, whose fast-paced spread offense is built for mobile quarterbacks, and suddenly Kaepernick looked like a natural fit in San Francisco for the near future.
We can’t get inside Kaepernick’s head of course, but wouldn’t you rather play in a city where you’ve already had success for a coach who tailors his offense to you than take you chances in the quarterback junkyards of Cleveland or Houston?
Still, if Kaepernick is adamant he wants a trade, the 49ers should grant his wish. Having your starting quarterback sulk all season isn’t good for anyone.
