Colin Kaepernick has often been described by teammates as one of the hardest-working players on the 49ers.
The young quarterback is dedicated to his fitness and showed early this offseason that he wants to be much better in 2015, spending weeks in Arizona with former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and his staff refining his techniques and learning how to better read defenses.
And, in recent organized team activities, he’s been an enthusiastic, vocal and energetic player and leader.
Yet the 49ers no longer are the team that went to three straight NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl from the 2011 to 2013 seasons. They’re coming off an 8-8 season, the loss of Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff and the exodus of so many veterans – including right offensive tackle Anthony Davis, who announced Friday he is retiring.
It would seem that the 49ers need Kaepernick now more than ever. With a new coaching staff, new offense and fresh start, a re-made Kaepernick – one who can elevate his game – could be the key to a resurgence.
But there’s also another option, as John Clayton, ESPN’s NFL Senior Writer, put forward Monday: What if all the departures prompt the 49ers to go another direction?
“The 49ers might still be tempted to trade Kaepernick to a quarterback-starved franchise for two or three high draft choices if they found the right deal,” Clayton wrote. “They could then look to find a way to come away with a top quarterback prospect in the draft, while retooling other parts of the roster.
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“With Harbaugh, the 49ers climbed to the top. Without Harbaugh, the organization has to start a new climb.”
At this point in the year, the Clayton scenario doesn’t seem likely. The draft is past and the free-agent season is gone and Blaine Gabbert, the team’s No. 2 QB, didn’t look ready to take over the team last season.
Plus, the 49ers no doubt are very curious to see what this new-look Kaepernick does in 2015 with a new approach, new offensive coordinator and new system. It could be, that he takes a big step forward.
In comments this offseason, Kaepernick certainly sounds eager to show what he and his teammates can do. The 8-8 season wasn’t something he was used to, and he likes the promotion of former quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst to offensive coordinator.
“I’m very excited about Geep being our OC,” he said earlier this offseason. “Great person, brilliant guy. And I think he’s very open to what the players’ input is during the game, during the week. And also, open to taking shots down the field and opening up the playbook. So, excited to see what he has in store for us.”
