Earlier today, the Los Angeles Times reported that San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has put his four-bedroom San Jose home up for sale with the asking price of $2.9 million. He bought the 4,600-square foot home four years ago.
"As Kaepernick walked onto the University of Central Florida practice field Thursday, he was asked about his house, and rather than comment, he smiled and kept walking," reported Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group today.
On behalf of Kaepernick, a team spokesman has clarified that the sale of Kaepernick's home is "an investment decision."
Colin Kaepernick, via a team spokesman, said selling his San Jose home is "an investment decision." #49ers
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) December 1, 2016
There has been a lot of speculation on whether or not the current 49ers quarterback will return to the team in 2017. If Kaepernick does not wish to remain with the 49ers in 2017, he has the option to void the remainder of his contract and become a free agent in March.
Kaepernick has not committed to the 49ers beyond this season and has had a rocky relationship with the team in recent years – particularly with general manager Trent Baalke. If Baalke were no longer with the team following this season, many within the media believe that it may open a window for Kaepernick to return in 2017 if he wishes to do so.
While a fresh start elsewhere may be tempting, Kaepernick is scheduled to make $14.5 million with the 49ers next season. That's a sum that might be considered a risky investment for another team when you factor in the added distractions that Kaepernick's national anthem protest brings with it. It's possible that his best option, at least financially, would be to remain with San Francisco.
On Tuesday, Kaepernick was asked about his future with the 49ers. "I'm focused on Chicago this week," he replied. "I'm not thinking that far down the road."