Rumors have been swirling as to where quarterback Colin Kaepernick might end up once the 2016 NFL season kicks off. But as noted by Trent Baalke, the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, the trade for the quarterback isn't seem to be moving forward.
Over the past few weeks, various teams including the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns have been associated with the potential deal for Kaepernick. The Broncos seems to the team that would benefit the most in getting the athlete since it recently lost two of its key members.
Although Baalke confirmed that he has already met with the interested teams, the general manager noted solid negotiations for Kaepernick have not materialized. According to various sources, even the Broncos doesn't seem too determined to get the quarterback as it hasn't presented an offer yet, Fox Sports has learned.
"I've had discussions with several teams and it's gone no further than that, as the agents have had several discussions [with teams]," he said according to NFL.com. "We're nowhere near getting anythind done at this point."
Baalke also explained that even though the 49ers have given Kaepernick the permission to seek out other options by meeting with teams, the San Francisco franchise is still intent on keeping him in the roster.
"What we told him was that they were open to exploring options," he said. "But our intent was for him to be back and to go to work...He's under contract and until that changes, our expectations don't change."
According to Baalke, giving players the permission to seek trades is a way for teams to help in the character development of athletes. By doing so, the 49ers was able to prevent holding back Kaepernick by giving him the freedom to make a valuable decision regarding his professional career, ESPN reported.
The 2016 NFL season is scheduled to begin in September but this doesn't mean that teams have enough time to work out a deal with Kaepernick if they really want him. This is because once the 49ers begin its offseason program on April 4, Kaepernick's $12 million salary for the season will be guaranteed if he's still with the team by that time.
