Report: 49ers, Broncos near Colin Kaepernick trade; pay cut stands in way
The Broncos and 49ers have taken the first step toward agreeing on a trade for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The two teams have agreed on trade compensation, expected to be a mid-round draft pick, in order for the Broncos to acquire Kaepernick, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday evening.
But the agreement between the two teams is only one part of the puzzle.
The Broncos, with less only about $1.6 million in salary cap space, will need Kaepernick to agree to a restructured contract and a pay cut. His $11.9 million base salary on his current deal became guaranteed by the 49ers when he was on the roster April 1, though he and the Broncos are free to negotiate a new deal.
The Broncos are scheduled to pay quarterback Mark Sanchez $4.5 million this year, though only $1 million of Sanchez’ deal is guaranteed.
If the Broncos, Niners and Kaepernick can reach agreements on all facets of the trade, Kaepernick and Sanchez would expected to compete for the starting quarterback job. Kaepernick is still recovering from surgeries to his thumb, knee and shoulder, and it remains unclear when he will be cleared for full participation in voluntary practices. He has been rehabbing from those surgeries in Vail, Colo.
TV station KUSA in Denver reported Saturday that Kaepernick met with Elway at Elway’s home in Denver last week, contact that is permissible because the quarterback was given permission to seek a trade.
The Niners’ offseason workout program is scheduled to start Monday. Broncos players do not report until April 18.