Colin Kaepernick To The Jets : NFL Trade Machine
By Erik Lambert
Seems everybody had the plan firmly in mind regarding what the San Francisco 49ers planned to do after hiring Chip Kelly. A head coach who built his reputation on mastering mobile quarterbacks in college might be just the solution needed to help revive the career of Colin Kaepernick, who lost his job in 2015 to former 1st round bust Blaine Gabbert.
It would seem he’s not quite as on board with the idea as the 49ers had hoped. According to the New York Daily News, word is seeping out of San Francisco and Kaepernick wants no part of the Kelly plan and desires a trade elsewhere.
"“The Daily News has learned that embattled 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick wants out of San Francisco after a forgettable 2015 that included on-field struggles that resulted in a benching midway through the season and a coaching change after it. The Jets are his preferred destination, according to sources.The Jets, aware of Kaepernick’s desire to play for them, are intrigued, but still in the early stages of their offseason planning and evaluation, according to sources. They’re also deathly afraid of tampering (see: Darrelle Revis situation, circa 2015).”"
This is an interesting situation. The New York Jets finished 10-6 this season but that wasn’t enough to get them into the playoffs as they were undercut at the last moment by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Among the biggest stories was quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who had the best season of his career with 3,900 yards and 31 touchdowns but who also was directly responsible for their gut wrenching loss in Buffalo that cost them the postseason (threw three interceptions).
This has led some to wonder if re-signing him is really the best option they have. New York is a team ready to win now. If they could just find an upgrade at quarterback, it might be the final piece to the puzzle. In spite of his struggles, Kaepernick got a team to a Super Bowl before and is 4-2 in his career in the playoffs. Best of all he’s only 28-years old.
If a trade is possible, then it’s one the Jets have good reason to consider. As for the 49ers, if this happens expect them to jump into the quarterback derby that is developing ahead of the 2016 NFL draft.