NFL Trade Rumors: San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick Benched by Coach Tomsula; Backup QB Blaine Gabbert Earns Jarryd Hayne, Reggie Bush Confidence

By Mitch de Leon
San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick
San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

The San Francisco 49ers have never given any overt manifestation of the future of star quarterback Colin Kaepernick. However, the rumor mill has been churning out speculations on the NFL star's status in the football team. While no official comment has been given by any member of the Reggie Bush squad, the sequence of events following the injury of Kaepernick provided fans some clues to the quarterback's possible direction. 

One of the most prevalent rumors at the moment is the potential trade involving Kaepernick. The NFL season abruptly ended for the quarterback when he was placed on the injured reserve list of the San Francisco 49ers. Reports disclosed that Kaepernick incurred a torn labrum in his non-playing shoulder (left). He was then benched by head coach Jim Tomsula, with backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert taking on the starting role. Despite the lack of official confirmation from the NFL team, followers of the San Francisco 49ers believe that Kaepernick's days with the Jarryd Hayne squad are numbered.

"If the 49ers decide to part ways with Kaepernick after the 2015 season, it won't cost many thanks to Kaepernick's team-friendly contract," according to CBS Sports. They added, "The team would take a dead cap hit of $7.4 million in 2016, according to Spotrac. On the other hand, if Kaepernick's still on the roster, he'll eat up about $16.77 million in cap space. That being said, Kaepernick would need to be fully healed before the team could cut him."

With Kaepernick's future still undetermined, it looks like Gabbert is gaining steam in the San Francisco 49ers locker room. Upon taking on the vacated post, the new starting quarterback started to gain the respect and confidence of his teammates.

"He's a heck of a quarterback," said Anquan Boldin of Gabbert, according to ESPN. The San Francisco 49ers receiver added, "You guys see it. He's poised, he's under control. He has a good control of the offense. He understands where to go with the ball. He understands when he's hot, when he needs to get rid of it. He's playing really well for us right now."

Boldin further shared, "He has everybody fighting for him. Everybody is comfortable with him being behind center. Guys are making plays for him, blocking their butts off. Receivers are getting open and catching the ball. We're all behind him."

Another receiver, Torrey Smith, echoed Boldin's sentiments on Gabbert. He said, "Blaine played awesome. The plays that he made, he was able to showcase his skills and prove that he belongs in this league."

As for Gabbert himself, the newly minted San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback admitted to knowing the duties included in the post he is now handling. "Playing the position of quarterback, when you're the starter, you are the face of this team, whether you like it or not," shared Gabbert via ESPN. He added, "You're put in a position to lead, not only the guys on offense, but this team. It's a position I cherish, and I'm going to do my best to lead them to wins down the road."

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