49ers-Browns trade stalled by Colin Kaepernick’s salary

Michael Silver wrote a great breakdown of the current situation surrounding the possible trade of San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick to either the Denver Broncos or Cleveland Browns. Reports have stated that Kaepernick would not mind going to either franchise if a deal can be worked out. However, it is not Kaepernick's call to make. It is the 49ers'.

So what is stalling a trade?

For the 49ers and Broncos, while Kaepernick's salary is not really an issue, the compensation for Kaepernick is. Silver had the following to say within his article.

"The Broncos and 49ers remain apart on compensation, with San Francisco seeking a second-round draft pick in exchange for Kaepernick. The Broncos have had discussions with Kaepernick's agents about a restructured deal for the quarterback, and a source familiar with the conversations characterized those talks as productive."

As for the 49ers and Browns, talks are stalled by Kaepernick's salary, not compensation. That part has been generally agreed upon. The Browns would not want to pull the trigger on the trade if they believe that they cannot have him on the roster for the right price. Silver says the following.

"As of Friday, talks between the Browns and Kaepernick's agents on a restructured deal had not progressed to a point that would satisfy the quarterback enough to green-light the arrangement. The 49ers and Browns, meanwhile, are in general agreement regarding the draft-pick compensation that it would take to acquire Kaepernick."

Silver goes on to state that if a trade cannot be worked out, the 49ers are not afraid to simple keep Kaepernick on the roster and have him compete with Blaine Gabbert for the starting job under new head coach Chip Kelly.

You can read Silver's full report on the situation at NFL.com.

It's that last item that is the most interesting. It would seem rather awkward to have Kaepernick on the roster competing to start for a team that he doesn't even want to play for. It could be the truth or it could be an effort by the 49ers to get the Broncos or Browns to move things along.

Meanwhile, the Broncos traded with the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Mark Sanchez, which some feel doesn't have much of an impact on their desire to pursue Kaepernick from the 49ers.



The Broncos are trying to find a replacement for retired quarterback Peyton Manning. That man was thought to be Brock Osweiler, but he shocked the Broncos by deciding to sign with the Houston Texans.

Meanwhile, the Browns are trying to move on from former first-round pick Johnny Manziel, who was finally officially released on Friday morning.