Where will Colin Kaepernick end up next season? That’s the million-dollar question around Northern Nevada and the Bay Area.
The Broncos don’t have a No. 1 quarterback after Brock Osweiler opted to sign with the Texans, and please don’t tell me it wasn’t all about the money. The Texans won a weak division with a 9-7 record last year.
Kaepernick costs the Niners around $12 million if he’s still on the roster next month. It’s obvious Kaepernick doesn’t want to play for the 49ers. His agent hinted at New York, but if Kaepernick had issues with the Bay Area media, he’ll never be able to handle the cutthroat journalists in the Big Apple.
The Broncos could be a viable option, especially if they are willing to part with a second or third-round draft pick. The Broncos did trade for Mark Sanchez, but he’s just an average quarterback at best.
Kaepernick can be successful if a team can tailor its offense to Kaepernick’s strength. Kap needs the freedom to run, and I’d like to see him used on more moving pockets where the threat of a run can alter a defense. Kaepernick’s strength is his mobility.
Even at Nevada he wasn’t a great drop-back passer. That isn’t how he made his name. Kaepernick needs to make quicker, more concise reads before and after the ball is snapped.
The Jets remain a possibility because last year’s starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and the team are far apart in contract negotiations. Fitzpatrick is certainly better than current SF starter Blaine Gabbert.
San Francisco could certainly move up in the draft and go after Cal’s Jared Goff, who I think is the top prospect coming out. Some mock drafts have Goff going No. 7 to San Francisco. If Kaepernick is dealt to Denver, the team either needs to draft Goff and groom him for the starting job, or get Fitzpatrick.
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I like what the Raiders are doing thus far. General manager Reggie McKenzie has money to spend, and he’s spending it quickly.
The team signed cornerback Sean Smith, defensive end Bruce Irvin and offensive lineman Kelechi Osemela.
Osemela agreed to a five-year $60 million deal, Irvin will ink a four-year pact wirth $39 million and Smith signed for $40 million.
Osemela can play either guard or tackle, and where he plays may be decided on whether Donald Penn stays with the team. Smith fills the gap created by Charles Woodson’s retirement.
Getting Irvin means teams can’t double-team Kahlil Mack. It makes the Raiders’ defense that much more dangerous.
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Weather permitting the Division I baseball season gets under way on Tuesday. Carson will visit Hug on Tuesday at 3:45, and then host the Hawks at the same time on Thursday.
I look for Carson to challenge for one of the top four spots in the league, especially if the pitching comes around.
The Carson softball team open at home against Damonte Ranch Thursday at 3:45.