The San Francisco 49ers were in the Super Bowl only three years ago in 2013, but they have since made two coaching changes and are in rebuilding mode after finishing in last place in the NFC West this past season. The 49ers have some major decisions to make this offseason, and none is expected to be bigger than who will play the quarterback position for the franchise in 2016.
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is reportedly seeking a trade to get out of San Francisco, and two teams that will have interest in him if the team allows trade permission would be the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. The reports in San Francisco have been all over the board since the end of the regular season, and just earlier in the week, the 49ers former second round pick was reportedly "more than open" to returning to San Francisco next season.
The 49ers reportedly still hope that Kaepernick will be their quarterback in 2016, and many believe that he could find success in Chip Kelly's offensive system. Kaepernick's full base salary of $11.9 million becomes guaranteed on April 1, and San Francisco's front office will have to decide if they are willing shop the quarterback on the market.
The Browns and Texans are both in the market for a quarterback this offseason, but it's unknown how much interest the Texans would have in acquiring Kaepernick, as owner Bob McNair has said that the team is looking to get a quarterback in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft. "We need a reliable quarterback," said McNair, via The Houston Chronicle. "We don't need a superstar there, but it needs to be reliable play that won't take anything away from us."
Kaepernick has proven he can play in the league through five seasons, but he has been anything but reliable especially after this recent season. The 49ers quarterback threw six touchdowns to five interceptions and had a starting record of 2-6 in 2015 before being benched.
The Browns are also reportedly interest in the 49ers quarterback, but it's unknown if they would be willing sacrifice their chance at the top quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft for him. The Browns currently have the second pick in the draft, and unless the Titans trade back, they will have their choice of any quarterback prospect they want.
As of right now, nothing seems certain at the quarterback position in San Francisco, and fans will have to wait and see what San Francisco's front office decides to do as it gets closer to the NFL draft and Kaepernick's contract deadline.
