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Reports: 49ers, Broncos in talks over Kaepernick

The 49ers have reportedly agreed to trade quarterback Colin Kaepernick to the Broncos.
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The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly in talks to send quarterback Colin Kaepernick to the Broncos.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that the two sides had an agreement in principle, but but the quarterback must first agree to a restructured deal with Denver.

NBC Sports’s Mike Florio reported contrasting news Saturday night, indicating that there is no agreement on trade compensation and that it’s a “real stretch” that the contract talks were the only factor impeding the deal’s completion.

Kaepernick, 28, played in only nine games for the 49ers last season and lost his starting job to Blaine Gabbert. In 2015, Kaepernick posted a career-low passer rating of 78.5 and completed only 59% of his passes with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He is due $11.9 million in base salary this season.

The Broncos lost two quarterbacks this off-season, with starter Peyton Manning retiring following the team’s Super Bowl win, and backup Brock Osweiler departing for the Texans in free agency.

In 2014, the 49ers signed Kaepernick to a six-year contract extension worth up to $126 million. San Francisco saved $9.36 million against the cap by releasing the signal-caller before April, and only owes him the rest of his prorated signing bonus.

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Kaepernick led the 49ers to an NFC title and Super Bowl XLVII appearance during the 2012 season, and to the NFC Championship Game in 2013. He was selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 2011 draft out of Nevada.

In 57 career games, Kaepernick has passed for 10,030 yards, 56 touchdowns and 26 interceptions, while also rushing for 1,832 yards and 11 touchdowns.