Report: Colin Kaepernick will opt out of contract but could return to 49ers

Colin Kaepernick agreed to a restructured contract before becoming the 49ers’ starting quarterback.

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick will exercise the opt-out clause in his contract after this season and become a free agent, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. 

Kaepernick agreed to a restructured contract in October, before starting his first game of the season. The team wanted him to sign a new contract because his original deal included substantial injury guarantees. Kaepernick voided the last four years of the contract and added a player option for the 2017 season. 

Though Kaepernick is expected to become a free agent, “it would not be a surprise” if he returns as the Niners’ starting quarterback next season, Rapoport adds. 

San Francisco is 0–6 with Kaepernick under center but he entered Week 13 having thrown for 205.7 yards per game, the second best average of his career. He was benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert during the 49ers’ 26–6 loss to the Bears on Sunday.