49ers’ Kaepernick: No pressure to sign revised contract before Sunday
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he’s still having conversations with the 49ers about a restructured contract as he prepares to make his first start since 2015 when the 49ers visit the Bills on Sunday.
The 49ers reportedly want Kaepernick to relinquish the injury guarantee tied to his $14.5 million salary in 2017. Kaepernick, who is signed through 2020, could become a free agent after the season as part of a revised deal.
Kaepernick was asked if he thinks his substantial injury guarantee is a reason he didn’t replace Blaine Gabbert before head coach Chip Kelly made the move this morning.
“I really don’t know,” Kaepernick said. “You’d have to ask the people upstairs about that.”
Kaepernick said he feels “no pressure” to sign a restructured contract before Sunday, when he’ll make his first start since Nov. 1.
He also feels confident about where he is from a physical standpoint after his rehabilitation from three surgeries caused him to miss most of the offseason program. Today, Kelly said Kaepernick still hadn’t physically returned to his pre-injury form.
“My biggest thing is trying to focus on strength and make sure I’m physically ready to play, whether that means my weight’s higher or lower,” Kaepernick said. “I don’t think that’s a huge deal. It’s more where my strength is at and I feel very comfortable with that.”
If Kaepernick does, indeed, become a free agent after this season his promotion provides a platform to become more marketable. He was benched after eight starts in 2015 and his passer rating has declined in each of the four seasons in which he’s started games.
“It’s a great opportunity to go out and win some games,” Kaepernick said. “That’s ultimately what the goal is. We’re going to focus on the Buffalo Bills this week.”
