Colin Kaepernick may not be a member of the San Francisco 49er’s for much longer if the organization feels it needs to distance itself from unnecessary controversy this upcoming season. This all comes up just days after Kaepernick’s controversial words and actions that have ignited a wildfire across all media outlets.
According to The Bleacher Report:
The San Francisco 49ers are on the hook for all of Colin Kaepernick‘s 2016 salary, but that may not stop the team from cutting the veteran quarterback.
According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, via Rotoworld, San Francisco may be looking to cut Kaepernick either before it finalizes its 53-man roster or in the middle of the season. Releasing the 28-year-old would be a costly move for the 49ers.
According to Spotrac, he carries a little over $14.7 million in dead cap money for 2016 between his salary, workout bonus and signing bonus.
Kaepernick is coming off a disappointing 2015 season. He lost the starting QB job to Blaine Gabbert and threw for 1,615 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in nine games.
A right shoulder injury has limited Kaepernick’s participation in training camp and the preseason. He made his preseason debut Friday night against the Green Bay Packers, going 2-of-6 for 14 yards.
Kaepernick’s most noteworthy moment came before the game when he declined to stand for the national anthem.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” he said, per NFL Media’sSteve Wyche. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
Should the 49ers release Kaepernick, it wouldn’t drastically alter their plans at quarterback. They listed both him and Gabbert in the top spot on their unofficial depth chart Aug. 9, but the Monday Morning Quarterback’s Peter King reported it’s Gabbert’s job to lose.
Based on his struggles last year, other teams may not initially jump at the chance to sign Kaepernick should he hit the open market. His odds of finding a new home would likely increase as the season wears on and injuries potentially deplete teams’ rosters.
It would be wise for the 49er’s to cut ties with the controversial quarterback. Although freedom of speech and expression are encouraged, the cause in which he is fighting for is wrong. He is defending a criminal organization in BLM and is disrespecting every white person that has helped get him where he is including his parents. This is not someone that children need to look up to, because it is not admirable. He has a duty to be an example for young people that watch him and want to play football like him. It comes down to respect and this man has absolutely no respect. I don’t agree with everything my government does either but I stand for the National Anthem because it is the right thing to do. What do you think?