Colin Kaepernick is apparently about to trade guaranteed money for a chance to get on the field this season.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback is nearing an agreement to restructure his contract with the team, NFL Media reports. The reworked deal would eliminate guaranteed money for 2017 that might have played a part in the 49ers keeping Kaepernick on the bench through the first five games.
According to NFL Media, the new contract would void the final three years of the deal, which currently is set to run through the 2020 season, and also give Kaepernick the right to opt out after this season. The 49ers also would not risk having to pay Kaepernick $14.5 million in 2017 if he gets hurt this year, and that could be the key to Kaepernick finally getting a shot to resuscitate the struggling San Francisco offense.
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After Thursday night's loss to the Arizona Cardinals dropped the 49ers to 1-4, coach Chip Kelly said he would evaluate the team's quarterback options. Blaine Gabbert has started the first five games, completing 58 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and six interceptions while being sacked 10 times.
Kaepernick has received more attention than any other player who hasn't played this season, with the possible exception of Tom Brady. His national anthem protests have become a coast-to-coast point of discussion — and then some — but he has yet to get a chance to take the field.
With some extra days built in before the 49ers face the Bills next Sunday, the reworked contract might give him that chance.
