The San Francisco 49ers rumors are beginning to fly and one major question is being asked by fans and media members. Could the 49ers cut quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the 2016 NFL offseason?
Brad Berreman of Rant Sports believes that Kaepernick is one of the veterans that should be cut this coming offseason. There is reason to believe that the 49ers would consider cutting Kaepernick if they are unable to find a trade partner for him. He was benched earlier this season for a reason and it doesn't seem like the 49ers have future plans for him at this point in time.
Whether the 49ers could find a team interested in trading for Kaepernick or not is another question. He isn't viewed as one of the more valuable quarterbacks on the potential trade market this coming offseason.
During the 2015 season before getting benched, Kaepernick ended up completing 59.0 percent of his passes for 1,615 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. He also picked up 256 yards and a touchdown on the ground. San Francisco only let him play nine games this season, but he still showed some flashes of talent.
If the 49ers want to trade Kaepernick, they are going to need to ask for a low cost. No one is going to give up a lot of value for a player that simply isn't wanted on his current team.
There are a few teams around the NFL that could use an upgrade at the quarterback position.
San Francisco is currently expected to aggressively shop Kaepernick in trade talks to start the offseason. He doesn't want to remain in town with the way he was treated and it seems pretty obvious that Jim Tomsula and the 49ers' coaching staff aren't big fans of him. Those two things add up to a very good chance that he gets traded or cut this offseason.
Trading him certainly seems more likely at this point in time, as there will be a team that is willing to give up a mid or late-round pick for him.
Expect to see the 49ers gauge trade interest in Kaepernick and if they can't trade him then don't be surprised if they decide to cut him.
