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On Saturday,
Blaine Gabbert was officially named as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers' upcoming season opener at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. What contributed to that? What did the coaching staff like about Gabbert over their more limited exposure to
Colin Kaepernick? Offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins touched on that today while speaking to the media prior to practice.
"Well, Blaine's been consistent," said Modkins. "He's been consistent since the day we got here. Just kind of what he's done since day one makes you think and makes you very excited about what he can do and we look forward to him showing that."
Gabbert has started 35 games during his career. Last season, he started each of the 49ers' final eight games after taking over for Kaepernick, who was benched and then placed on injured reserve. During that time, he completed a career-high 63.1 percent of his passes for 2,031 yards and 10 touchdowns.
RELATED Transcript: Curtis Modkins previews season opener against Rams
What did Modkins and the coaching staff think about Kaepernick after reviewing the game film during their final preseason game – a matchup against the San Diego Chargers? It was Kaepernick's most expensive playing time during preseason. He had missed the first two games due to a muscle issue in his throwing arm that also forced him to miss practices during a good portion of training camp.
"I think Kap did a good job," said Modkins in regards to his performance against the Chargers. "I think Kap did some good things. You always would like to have a couple back, but I think Kap did a good job in that last game."
Part of the reason Kaepernick was relegated to the backup role was likely due to his strength and weight, which is not at 100 percent following multiple offseason surgeries and rehabilitation.
"Kap has a history of being really good in this league and doing some good things," Modkins continued. "You know, as he continues to get strength and stronger, you know, I think in this league you need more than one good quarterback and we're very fortunate that we do have him and Blaine. So, you know, we'll see where that goes, but I thought Kap did a good job."
Kaepernick, who has a lot of attention from the media due to the controversy of him refusing to stand for the National Anthem, did not seem too concerned about being the team's number two quarterback. He is looking forward to working to regain the starting job.
"I have to wait for my time and work," Kaepernick told the media today. "Last time I was in this position, I ended up in the Super Bowl, so I continue to work and prepare for when that next opportunity comes."
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
Ian Rapoport didn't offer much of an update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFL insider emphasized one thing: The team is not entertaining trade discussions at this juncture.
Reacting to Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram, Rapoport couldn't help but chuckle at the latest development. This practice has become commonplace among players who are unhappy with their contract situations. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel similarly took this action in 2022 before requesting to be traded just before the draft.
Things have yet to escalate that far with Aiyuk, but Rapoport sees his
With the 2024 NFL Draft less than a week away, it's common for the rumor mill to start churning, especially with players who are actively seeking a new contract. It was just two short years ago that WR Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers prior to draft day, only for cooler heads to prevail and eventually agree to a new deal.
Now, it's WR Brandon Aiyuk's turn to try and get paid and rumors surfaced over the weekend that he too would request to be dealt. While that report was quickly shot down by his agent, there's still a lot of discussion about Aiyuk's future and if other teams will come calling on draft night.
Legendary columnist Mike Silver joined
