Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Broncos will target Colin Kaepernick if they lose Osweiler
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The Denver Broncos appear to have a backup plan if they lose QB Brock Osweiler to free agency. According to Ian Rapoport, that backup plan is likely to be San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. The Broncos have already offered Osweiler a three-year deal worth up to $45 million, which the quarterback has not responded to. Denver's main competition for Osweiler appears to be the Houston Texans.
The Broncos were one of three rumored teams interested in trading for Kaepernick last season.
Both 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and new head coach Chip Kelly stated during the week of the NFL Scouting Combine that, to their knowledge, Kaepernick wanted to be in San Francisco and the 49ers wanted him there. Baalke even went as far as saying that Kaepernick would "absolutely" be on the team's roster come April 1, a deadline that guarantees him his $11.9 million base salary. "The last time we talked to Colin, Colin was excited," said Baalke that week.
That changed the next day when Kaepernick's agents requested permission to seek a trade for their client.
Kelly, also unaware at the time for Kaepernick's desire to leave, spoke enthusiastically about the possibility of working with Kaepernick this offseason. "He's never expressed to me that he doesn't want to be here. He expressed to me that he was excited about getting healthy and getting going. And we're excited about him getting healthy and getting going," said Kelly.
In November, Kaepernick was placed on injured reserve when a shoulder injury came into light. He is recovering from multiple surgeries. While none are expected to be long-term issues, he has had surgeries on his left shoulder, thumb, and knee since being placed on injured reserve. He is recovering from his surgeries at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado.
Broncos general manager John Elway and Baalke have forged a friendship. Last season, the 49ers were able to
trade away TE Vernon Davis to Denver for a low round draft selection. Davis is scheduled to become a free agent at 1 PM (PT) today.
The 49ers have two other quarterbacks on the roster. Blaine Gabbert, who took over as the team's starter after Kaepernick was benched, and Dylan Thompson. They also own the seventh overall selection in this year's NFL Draft.
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