Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports
Will Colin Kaepernick be enjoying the sunny skies of Santa Clara, California this season or will he need to invest in some fur coats and snow boots for his move to Denver, Colorado.
The talk about a trade between the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos for quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been trending for some time now. Broncos General Manager John Elway has already met with Kaepernick twice, so a potential trade is in the air, but what if the Broncos actually do make it happen? Will Kaepernick help the team or could he potentially be a negative addition?
Here are some pros and cons to the Broncos trading for Colin Kaepernick.
Pro
It’s no secret that Denver is in need of a new QB. They are looking into some draft picks, but all they have on their roster right now is Mark Sanchez and backup Blaine Gabbert. Kaepernick would be the answer to their prayers, but at what cost?
Con
The biggest problem in this trade right now is Kaepernick’s salary. He is guaranteed $11.9 million no matter if he leaves the 49ers or not. Denver is willing to pay seven of the $11.9 million, but nobody wants to pay the remaining $4.9 million. The Broncos can’t afford it with their salary cap, San Francisco does not want to pay it and Kaepernick does not want to take a pay cut. There’s no way for Denver to get the QB without breaking the bank or negotiating some type of impossible deal.
Pro
Let’s forget about the money for a second and remember that Kaepernick is still very young and is only going into his sixth season. He has a lot of game still in him and can still be taught and molded.
Con
Recently, Kaepernick had a shoulder injury that took him out of the 2015 season in November. He had surgery and then a long recovery. An injury like that could definitely affect a quarterback in any future games and that’s not a problem the Broncos need this season.
Pro
Let us point out though that a shoulder injury has nothing to do with his golden legs. We all know the boy can run up and down the field like no one’s business. Remember when he ran 90 yards for a touchdown against the Chargers and we were all wondering where this man came from?
Con
The Broncos could use a quarterback who can run, but they also need one who knows how to work out of the pocket and that is something that Kaepernick has yet to master. The 49ers gave it a shot last season, but that led to more interceptions than touchdowns. No one is saying he can’t do it, but it’s something that still needs to be developed.
Pro
Along with his strong run game, Kaepernick also knows how to throw the ball. He has a strong arm and is good at hitting his target (I mean, the guy was drafted by the Chicago Cubs). Denver also has a lot of wide receiver talent like Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas that Kaepernick can work with.
Con
In order to have good chemistry on the field, you have to have it off the field as well. Last season Kaepernick was not only known for his turnovers, but also for his bad attitude. Many of his teammates did not get along with him last season and that type of drama is not something the Broncos want to bring to their team.
John Elway knows what he wants and when he wants it. Colin Kaepernick would be a positive asset to this team. Of course, he isn’t perfect and has some cons about him, every player does. It’s up to Elway to decide if this is the next quarterback he wants to build up and either pay an arm and a leg for him, or make a negotiation that everybody will be talking about.
