Colin Kaepernick and Johnny Manziel are similar in one aspect. Both have some thing to prove before they can get what they want.

Manziel, the recently released Cleveland Browns quarterback, has partied himself out of the NFL and has to reenter rehab -- he checked himself in for undisclosed reasons during the 2015 offseason -- for any other team will consider him serious about wanting to stay in the league.

Broncos Need Colin Kaepernick More Than He Needs Them

Kaepernick spent his 2015 offseason trying to learn how to be a pocket passer from former two-time NFL MVP quarterback Kurt Warner and quarterback instructor Dennis Gile.

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback, whom the Denver Broncos are pursuing but want him at a significant discount, has not been able to continue his pocket-passing pursuits because he has been recovering from a trio of surgeries to fix his non-throwing shoulder, his right thumb and his left knee.

Staying With 49ers May Be Right Long-Term Move For Colin Kaepernick

He asked the 49ers' permission to explore trade possibilities in February; yet, he remains on the roster and will earn $11.9 million and could count as much as $15.9 million toward San Francisco's salary cap.

The Broncos are asking that he take a $4.9 million pay cut, something that he has yet to agree to do.

"It's a tough situation. I know that as a player you always have to get your money while you can," quarterback Matt Flynn told Fox Sports on Tuesday. "Teams are going to get their money when they can. That's just business. You just have to get it when it's there."

Kaepernick is guaranteed only this year's salary. If he wants the Broncos to offer more money for him to make a trade, he has to be willing to show them that he still is trying to improve his craft.

The quarterback should be back at Giles' quarterback academy as soon as OTAs are finished. That may help increase the Broncos' bid.

While he's with the 49ers, Kaepernick also should learn all he can from Kelly to spark articles raving about his work ethic as happened last season.

That's about the only leverage he has if he wants to maintain anything close to his current salary beyond 2016.

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