San Francisco 49ers Roster Update: Colin Kapernick to Enter Free Agency after Losing Playoff Contention

By Carlo Monzon
Colin Kaepernick
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.  Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Despite getting reinstated as the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the New York Jets, Colin Kaepernick will most likely leave the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. According to insiders, the quarterback is expected to void his contract with the team to become a free agent in the offseason.

With a losing record of 1-11, the 49ers have been officially eliminated from the playoffs. Many fans of the franchise attributed the disappointing season to Kaepernick, who has been very inconsistent on the field. He probably won't be missed when he becomes a free agent and leaves San Francisco next year.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Kaepernick is expected to void his contract for this season. Doing so will make him an unrestricted free agent next year. Given the way he played this season and the controversies he stirred up due to his protests, he might have a hard time finding a new team to signed with in 2017.

In fact, Kaepernick has been playing so badly that he was pulled out during the game against the Chicago Bears. In that match, he only had 1 out of 5 passes for four yards before coach Chip Kelly yanked him off the field and replaced him with Blaine Gabbert.

But, despite his embarrassing performance, it seems the 49ers are still keen to finish their losing season with Kaepernick. Earlier this week, the team announced that he will still be the starting quarterback at Week 14 when they take on the Jets.

After hearing about his reinstatement, Kaepernick noted that he intends to work hard this week to improve the team's performance.

"We have to get back on track this week," he told reporters. "We have to put that work in, make sure everybody's prepared, the mindset's right and once again, move onto New York."

"Elements always play a factor, but you have to be able to handle the elements," he added about the snowy conditions that hampered his plays against the Bears last Sunday. "That's part of what we get paid to do and we have to do a better job with that."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo