After months of speculation, it’s now being reported that Colin Kaepernick is keeping the door open as it concerns a return to the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
Ian Rapoport, speaking on NFL Network’s “NFL Total Access” show, said the quarterback is “more than open” to returning to play for the team that drafted him in 2011. He notes the obvious attraction to Chip Kelly, who revived Sam Bradford’s career last year, and the fact that Kaepernick is due to make $12 million ($15.89 million against the cap) this upcoming season.
This is interesting timing.
Kaepernick and the 49ers are reportedly set to meet up this week in Indianapolis during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine to discuss his potential future with the team.
The Kap/Kelly combo seems like it could be a huge boon to the 49ers, and to Kaepernick’s career. Kelly loves to utilize a zone-read rushing concept, which would be a perfect fit for Kaepernick’s talents. The big question mark, of course, is whether or not Kaepernick can get the ball out quickly and with accuracy on a snap-to-snap basis — something he’s struggled with in the past.
That said, there is no doubt about Kelly’s attraction to Kaepernick in the past, and it seems like a marriage that could be quite fruitful. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens in the coming days as the 49ers and their quarterback figure out how they fit (or don’t) together.