Kaepernick to the Jets?
Kaepernick a Jet?
Last night The NY Daily News reported that Colin Kaepernick not only wants out of San Francisco, but he wants to go to the New York Jets.
Another day, another rumor for the 49ers. The rumors began in 2014 when it was believed that the Niners were trying to trade Jim Harbaugh to the Browns. Ultimately, It never happened, but it did signal the beginning of the end of Harbaugh in SF. Could this be the end for Kaepernick? Rumors persisted the last two years with the idea that the 49ers put Kaepernick on the trade block, but this is the first time we've heard a rumor from Kaepernick's point of view. Could it be true?
Is Kaepernick finally tired of all of the backlash and negativity from the front office and the "fans" who want him out? Does he want a fresh start? Jed York recently stated that Kaepernick now has a "fresh start" with the hiring of Chip Kelly. And that they are hoping Kaepernick can recover from his injuries this offseason and be ready to compete this season. But maybe Kaepernick wants a fresh start elsewhere?
It's hard to know what to believe after all of the garbage we've had to listen to over the last couple years. This could be just another rumor. The Jets have a very good reason to spread the rumor to their local media outlet in order to push down the value of their free agent QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick, who they are trying to resign. The fact that it's coming from a NY source is a telling sign that it's probably coming from the Jets rather than someone on the West Coast. There certainly could be some truth to it, as Kaepernick has many reasons to be upset about his current situation. But with the hiring of Chip Kelly, it sure seemed like Kaepernick had received a second shot at success in the NFL. It appeared the 49ers were hiring a coach that would be the perfect fit for Kaepernick. His zone read, spread offense that utilizes a dual threat QB would be the ideal offense to revive Kaepernick's confidence and his career.
At the end of the coaching search, the 49ers selected Chip Kelly over Mike Shanahan. One of the key reasons for that decision could have been the fact that Shanahan didn't want Kaepernick, so they went with Chip Kelly. If those reports are true, it would be odd that Kaepernick would now feel that he's the one being slighted. Kaepernick should feel revived and confident that the 49ers picked a coach designed to help him excel.
However, Chip Kelly didn't exactly give Kaepernick a resounding sign of support at his press conference. Every time he was asked about Kaepernick, he quickly pointed out that the 49ers have two good quarterbacks. If Kelly really likes Kaepernick, then why didn't he just come out and say it? On one hand, you can understand that he wants to keep his options open and may not be sure how the Kaepernick situation plays out, but ultimately the lack of support may have irritated Kaepernick.
If Kelly wants Kaepernick as his QB, then he should have been more excited about it in his press conference and therefore, he made a mistake by not showing it. Although, from what we've seen from Chip Kelly in the NFL, it's that he believes he can make any QB successful in his system. The evidence supports that belief. However, you would have to think that Chip Kelly has to be salivating at the idea of what a talent like Kaepernick could do in his offense. He saw it with Marcus Mariota at Oregon, so you know he understands what Kaepernick can bring to the table.
The fact of the matter is that the 49ers would be crazy to trade Kaepernick at this time. They have to give him one last chance to see if he can turn it around with the one coach who can make it happen. If Kaepernick fails under Chip Kelly, then at least everyone knows that he no longer has what it takes to succeed in the NFL. But they would be crazy to give up on him without knowing for sure. Heck, the 49ers gave Alex Smith seven mediocre seasons before finally giving up on him. Now they are going to give up on Kaepernick after only two mediocre seasons? Those two seasons coming after two seasons where Kaepernick almost won Super Bowls. Insane!
And not only that, but you're going to go with a guy who's never won more than 5 games in a season and can barely throw the ball over 10 yards? Blaine Gabbert? You have to be joking. Look, there's lots of talk that the 49ers need to make a decision about Kaepernick by April 1st because that's the day his contract becomes guaranteed for $11.9 million. They either need to trade or release him before then if they don't want to pay him. But the 49ers have more cap room than all but two teams in the league with $50 million and can easily absorb his contract for one more season. It makes too much sense to at least take that risk for one more shot at glory. I mean Jed York, wouldn't you pay $12 million for another Super Bowl? Or would you rather not pay that and miss the playoffs?
I really don't understand why anyone thinks that Blaine Gabbert is a real option at QB. The only reason people are supporting Gabbert is because he ended up playing better than expected last year. That doesn't mean that he played well! He may have had some decent games where he played better than Kaepernick, but getting caught up in judging the two QBs play based on just this last season is way too short-sighted. To judge any quarterback coached by Jim Tomsula is just ridiculous in the first place.
We all know that Kaepernick had a bad season, but the reason he played badly was because he lost his confidence. When Kaepernick plays with confidence, he's hard to contain. When he hesitates, he's a disaster. But the upside of Kaepernick is a Super Bowl. The upside of Gabbert is not having to stress about playoff games in January. It doesn't take a genius to understand that Blaine Gabbert doesn't have elite talent. He'll never be a great QB in this league. He could, at best, be a game manager. Ultimately, I think all he proved this season is that he's a decent backup quarterback.
That's why even if Kaepernick wants out of SF, the Niners need to convince him otherwise. They need to support him and get him excited about playing in Chip Kelly's offense. Just take a look at Cam Newton. Last year with a poor offensive line he was 3-8-1. Nobody was calling him the MVP. Now look at what he's done with a great offensive line, a strong defense and regained confidence. Two years ago everyone thought Colin Kaepernick was the better QB when he beat Cam Newton in the divisional playoff game in Carolina. To think that Kaepernick can't return to that level, is short-sighted and/or biased. Ultimately, it will be Chip Kelly's decision on whether or not Kaepernick remains a 49er. For a smart guy like him, it should be a no-brainer.
Follow Niner Gold on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinerGold/
And on twitter @theblakeshow
