49ers, Kaepernick reportedly discussing restructuring contract
Send a link to a friend
[October 08, 2016]
By David Del Grande, The Sports Xchange
SANTA CLARA, Calif. --As coach Chip
Kelly was assuring Colin Kaepernick's contract situation was not a
factor in determining his playing time, or lack thereof, the NFL
Network was reporting Friday that the 49ers are close to agreeing to
a contract restructuring with the former Super Bowl starter.
As was the case earlier this year, the 49ers are contractually
obligated to guarantee Kaepernick's $14.5 million for next season by
April 1 or release him from his contract.
The problem is: That money would be guaranteed if Kaepernick were
injured at the deadline, as he was following three offseason
surgeries after the 2015 season.
The 49ers reportedly would like to erase the injury factor from the
equation. In return, Kaepernick reportedly is asking for an opt-out
of his own on April 1, which would allow him to become an
unrestricted free agent at his choosing, not just the team's.
Kaepernick still has four years remaining on his $115 million deal.
--Having allowed a running back to rush for more than 100 yards for
a fourth consecutive game, 49ers coach Chip Kelly assured at his
Friday press conference that the club had as many negatives
defensively as offensively in Thursday's 33-21 loss to the Arizona
Cardinals.
"We're not happy," he said of the defensive effort, which included
Cardinals running back David Johnson's 157-yard, two-touchdown
rushing performance. "It starts with our run defense. We need to
shore that up.
"We did an outstanding job on one of the top backs in the league in
Todd Gurley in the opening game (against the Los Angeles Rams). And
then after that in the next games we played, we have not done a good
job in the run defense, and that's what starts everything in this
league. If you can run the football, then things become a little bit
easier."
--The 49ers suffered no significant injuries during the game, with
just backups Tank Carradine (toe) and Chris Davis (knee) having to
leave the game. But then again, they don't have all that many
significant players, and four already were out of action.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Oct/08/images/ads/current/pestcontrol_bch_termites.png)
Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (Achilles) won't be returning this
season, but the 49ers are counting upon defensive end DeForest
Buckner (sprained foot) and tight end Vance McDonald (bruised hip)
using the extra time between games to be ready for the trip to
Buffalo.
The biggest question mark remains cornerback Jimmie Ward (quad
strain).
--QB Blaine Gabbert admitted he didn't play well in the 49ers' loss
Thursday to Arizona. He was sacked seven times, including once for a
safety, but wasn't under pressure on either of his critical
interceptions in 49ers' territory.
--RB Carlos Hyde recorded his sixth rushing touchdown of the season
in the 49ers' loss Thursday to Arizona. Hyde now has TD's in three
straight games, a career-first. The last 49er to rush for a score in
three consecutive games was Frank Gore in December of 2011.
[to top of second column] |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Mar/14/images/ads/current/tires250x300.gif)
--G Joshua Garnett played a season-high 18 snaps as a substitute to
G Andrew Tiller in Thursday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The
49ers allowed a season-high seven quarterback sacks in the game
--WR Jeremy Kerley recorded the second 100-yard receiving game of
his career when he hauled in eight passes for 102 yards in
Thursday's loss to Arizona. Kerley had a 120-yard game for the New
York Jets against New England on Oct. 21, 2012. Kerley also caught a
touchdown pass for the second straight game, the 11th of his career.
Kerley, who had entered the game a bit questionable with an ankle
issue, played all 78 offensive snaps.
--TE Vance McDonald (hip) sat out his second consecutive game
Thursday against Arizona. The 49ers are hoping to get their starting
tight end back for their next game at Buffalo.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Oct/08/images/ads/current/humanesociety_sda022411.png)
--DE DeForest Buckner (foot) was held out of Thursday's game against
the Arizona Cardinals. The injury is not considered serious, and the
rookie is expected to return to practice in advance of the 49ers'
next game at Buffalo.
--DE Glenn Dorsey (knee) was held out of Thursday's game against the
Arizona Cardinals as a precaution because of the short recovery time
between games. Dorsey is expected to return to practice when the
squad reconvenes on Tuesday.
--ILB NaVorro Bowman (Achilles tendon) was formally placed on
injured reserve on Thursday. He is out for the season.
--ILB Nick Bellore made his first NFL start in NaVorro Bowman's
place and played all 68 defensive snaps in Thursday's loss to
Arizona. Bellore led the team with nine tackles and combined with
fellow inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite on the club's only sack of
the night.
--OLB Aaron Lynch returned from a four-game suspension and was in on
35 of 68 defensive snaps in Thursday's loss to Arizona. Lynch's snap
count was the highest among 49ers outside linebackers.
--OLB Tank Carradine (toe) suffered a toe injury in Thursday's loss
to the Arizona Cardinals. Carradine had an MRI on Friday; the
results were not announced.
--CB Jimmie Ward (quad) missed his second consecutive game Thursday
against Arizona. The 49ers hope to get Ward back at practice next
week before their game against Buffalo.
--CB Rashard Robinson started in place of injured Jimmie Ward in
Thursday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Robinson was in on all 68
defensive snaps.
--P Bradley Pinion averaged 49.9 yards on his seven punts in
Thursday's loss to Arizona. Pinion recorded a 46.3-yard net average
on his kicks.
-----------------------------------------------
[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2016 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |