Watch out NFL fans. 2015 might be a reach for a turnaround, but in 2016 Colin Kaepernick could be slinging footballs and making electrifying runs in the playoffs.
For the New York Jets or Minnesota Vikings or another team not named the San Francisco 49ers.
ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that the 49ers could put their star-crossed quarterback on the trade block on a team that figures to fare no better than the 8-8 record it mustered in 2014.
"Football is a game of attrition. The first sign of wear and tear was visible on the injury report," Clayton reported. "The 49ers had only 16 missed starts during the regular season in 2012. Missed starts jumped to 86 in 2013 and went to 92 last year.
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"The reality is the current 49ers championship run is over. Pro Football Focus recently published 32 depth charts with ratings for each player. The 49ers lost one elite player (Patrick Willis), three high-quality players (Lee, Chris Borland and Chris Culliver), three good players (Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis and Justin Smith) and four players with average ratings (Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Dan Skuta and Perrish Cox).
"If you give an elite player five points, a high-quality one three, a good player two and an average player one, the 49ers' roster lost 24 points. The 49ers added wide receiver Torrey Smith (good grade) and Reggie Bush (average grade). That takes the net loss to 21.
"Using the same grading system, the 49ers have 43 points returning, 16th in the league. Instead of expecting 11 to 13 wins each season, the 49ers look more likely to repeat last year's 8-8 campaign."
The 49ers might be tempted to pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal if a team came at them with the right offer, Clayton reasoned, removing the $15 million cap hit the team is scheduled to absorb this season.
It's a prospect, however, that CSNBayArea.com speculates is unlikely.
"The draft is past and the free-agent season is gone and Blaine Gabbert, the team's No. 2 QB, didn't look ready to take over the team last season.
Plus, the 49ers no doubt are very curious to see what this new-look Kaepernick does in 2015 with a new approach, new offensive coordinator and new system. It could be, that he takes a big step forward."
If Kaepernick is spectacular and the team is 8-8 or worse, what then? Remember, the 49ers don't owe him any guaranteed money beyond his annual salary, thanks to his contract.
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