Report: Colin Kaepernick ‘virtually certain’ to leave San Francisco

The relationship between Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers is all but over, according to a new report.

Kaepernick is “virtually certain” to part ways with the team after the season, according to CBS Sports’s Jason La Canfora, citing team and league sources. The relationship between the quarterback and Niners upper management is reportedly deeply strained, and trust has eroded to the point where trying to rebuild bridges is said to be a “lost cause.”

Kaepernick is viewed within the organization as a Jim Harbaugh favorite, and with Harbaugh’s regime long gone, Kaepernick seems to have few supporters left around the team.

In fact, according to La Canfora, Kaepernick’s only chance of sticking around is if new starter Blaine Gabbert gets hurt and Kaepernick returns to lead the Niners to a miraculous playoff run, a scenario which is obviously unlikely, to say the least.

We’ve heard rumblings that Kaepernick’s days in San Francisco could be numbered, and his benching this week seemingly was the final nail in the coffin. Mix all of that in with the rumors about the way Kaepernick’s teammates feel about him and you can see where this is heading.

Kaepernick’s guaranteed 2016 salary kicks in on April 1, so look for the Niners to try to trade him before then.