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Denver Broncos Rumors: Colin Kaepernick Could Be Traded To The Broncos

By Phillip Dengler
Published on: 03:48 PST, Mar 9, 2016

With the 2016 NFL free agency signing period only a few hours away, rumors are swirling regarding the Denver Broncos and their potential free agent targets. While re-signing quarterback Brock Osweiler is apparently at the top of the team’s wish list, it is becoming more and more apparent that the Broncos have a real risk of losing him to the Houston Texans. If Osweiler does leave for greener pastures, the latest rumors are saying that the Broncos could trade for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

As reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Kaepernick is the Broncos’ immediate backup plan in the event that they lose Osweiler.

While the quarterback position is one of the most important factors to winning in the NFL, the Broncos did not exactly get stellar play from the position last season. In eight games last year, Osweiler threw for 1,967 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Not terrible numbers by any stretch of the imagination, but the team decided that a washed up 39-year-old Peyton Manning was the better option for the playoffs.

While the Broncos still managed to win the Super Bowl, Manning really had nothing to do with the team’s success. The Broncos defense was ferocious, and the running game was good enough to help move the offense. If Osweiler could not even beat out Peyton Manning on his last leg, does he really deserve a huge contract?

The Score also reports the chances of Osweiler re-signing with the Broncos and how Kaepernick could land in Denver.

“The Broncos appear to be preparing themselves to lose Osweiler, who the team reportedly hasn’t spoken to since negotiations stalled following an offer worth $45 million over three years. Kaepernick reportedly requested permission to be traded from the 49ers in late February following a season in which he was benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert, although early indications were that few teams were interested. It’s currently unclear if Denver is hoping the 49ers will release Kaepernick, or will try and engineer a trade for the disgruntled signal-caller. The 28-year-old is under contract for another five seasons after agreeing to a team-friendly extension with San Francisco several years ago.”

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly actually prefers Blaine Gabbert to Colin Kaepernick, so there is a very good chance that the team is willing to make a deal. While Kaepernick has appeared in a Super Bowl, his mechanical flaws have been exposed over the past few years. With an inability to read defenses and always wanting to take off and run, Kaepernick is going to need to overhaul his game if he is going to be successful in the NFL.

With the Broncos’ strong defense and running game, Kaepernick could actually find the ideal scenario in Denver. Much of Kaepernick’s success in San Francisco came when the 49ers still had an elite defense and running game. After the defense fell apart and Frank Gore signed with the Colts, Kaepernick was not able to win games by himself.

It appears as though it is all going to come down to what happens to Osweiler. As the Denver Post reports, the Houston Texans are pushing hard to sign Osweiler to a deal. While the Broncos did offer Osweiler a deal, they are not looking to get into a bidding war with the Texans. Broncos general manager John Elway knows Osweiler better than anyone else, and he knows exactly the price that he is willing to pay.

Now that the 4 p.m. free agency signing period is almost here, rumors are going to continue to connect the Denver Broncos to quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Since it is going to hinge on what happens to Brock Osweiler, do not expect a trade to be announced until we know Osweiler’s fate.

[Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images]

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