Quarterback Colin Kaepernick will be on the 49ers' roster on April 1, when his $11.9 million salary for next season becomes fully guaranteed, general manager Trent Baalke said Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine, according to ESPN.
And that should be a sigh of relief for new coach Chip Kelly.
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The 28-year-old had by far his worst season as a starter, with seven touchdowns (six passing, one rushing) and five interceptions before he was benched midway through the season for Blaine Gabbert, as San Francisco finished 5-11, its worst record since 2007.
But, if you're the 49ers, who would you rather have playing quarterback?
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Well, Gabbert will be back with the team, and Baalke wouldn't commit to a starter next year -- so there's a chance he'll be under center. Gabbert is only 26 and he did have 11 touchdowns (10 passing, one rushing) to seven interceptions last year. But he's only 8-27 as a starter, while Kaepernick took the 49ers to a Super Bowl three years ago.
Taking a project in the draft doesn't make much sense with two veterans at or nearing their prime, and would San Francisco really want one of the free agents available?
To me, it's a no-brainer to bring back Kaepernick at nearly $12 million just for next season over signing Sam Bradford for $20 million or more on a long-term deal.
And if you stink next year, then cut Kaepernick and look to next year's draft to find a franchise guy.
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