Colin Kaepernick’s agents have reportedly requested permission to seek a trade away from the San Francisco 49ers, Rand Getlin of NFL Network revealed Thursday.
Source: Kaepernick's agents have requested permission from the team to seek a trade.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) February 25, 2016
This is a stunner because both head coach Chip Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke made it clear during interviews at the NFL scouting combine that Kaepernick is a big part of the team’s plans going into 2016. Also, a report three days ago suggested Kaepernick was “more than open” to returning to the 49ers this season.
Apparently, Kaepernick doesn’t see it that way.
It’s interesting timing, and not just because the team came out in support of the quarterback the past couple of days on two different fronts.
Kaepernick is recovering from multiple surgeries right now, including one to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. This means any team interested in making a deal would be trading for a quarterback who isn’t healthy, and one who is coming off his worst season as a pro.
Therefore his value is pretty much at an all-time low, meaning the 49ers might not be willing to make any trade. Baalke is notoriously a stickler when it comes to value, meaning Kaepernick might need to make quite a fuss to cause the 49ers to make a move.
Perhaps the New York Jets would be an option, as they were his rumored top choice last month. It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of market emerges, should this report prove true.