Torrey Smith was shocked to find out out this week that there were rumors Colin Kaepernick might not want to spend the 2016 NFL season with the San Francisco 49ers.
Speaking with Murph & Mac on KNBR 680, Smith first expressed dismay about the rumor and then excitement about Kaepernick in Chip Kelly’s offense:
“Someone just told me that. I’m like, I don’t know how that really makes sense considering this offense is — let’s hear it from the horse’s mouth,” Smith said (h/t CSN Bay Area). “I don’t really buy leaks or sources, you know what I mean? Especially when it comes from a player like that. This is probably the best offense for him. If he went out — things obviously didn’t go the way he wanted it to last year, so obviously emotions can play a part of that.”
The speedy receiver didn’t completely throw the full weight of his support for Kap, though, praising Blaine Gabbert as a potential star in Kelly’s system:
“I think people assume that because of this offense that Kap’s the best fit,” Smith said. “But Blaine can do everything. He may not be as fast, but Blaine housed a 40-yard run last year, he can run, man. He can get rid of the ball quick. I think it’s going to be an interesting battle.”
Gabbert has the tools to succeed, to be sure. He proved, once and for all, this past season that pressure isn’t a problem for him mentally. Playing behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines, Gabbert displayed a level of competence that was missing during his failed tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
His final numbers weren’t fantastic (63.1 percent passing, 2,031 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions), but Gabbert had his moments. He could very well perform at a level or above anything we’ve seen in an NFL offense coached by Kelly.
However, nobody can deny the potential of Kaepernick commanding a zone-read offense in which the quarterback is actually a featured runner. Confidence was a huge factor the past year-plus for the embattled quarterback, who is currently recovering from two surgeries. But if he gets it back Kaepernick can once again become one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.