Denver is that much closer to acquiring veteran QB Colin Kaepernick from San Francisco as the two teams reportedly have the parameters in place for a trade that could have significant implications on the 2016 draft. However, the deal is still pending as the two teams spar over who is going to pay what on Kaepernick’s contract. The Broncos are reportedly willing to pick up $7M of Kaepernick’s guaranteed $11.9M salary cap figure for 2016, but want the 49ers to pick up the rest and so far they are balking. If the deal does ultimately go through, the 49ers reportedly will receive 2nd round picks in 2016 and 2017, while the Broncos would get a later round selection this year. And if the deal does in fact go through it could ramifications for the upcoming draft. For starters, the 49ers would almost assuredly be looking to add a QB with the 7th pick in this year’s opening round, either Carson Wentz of North Dakota State or Cal’s Jarod Goff. However, the 49ers would not be assured of getting either with their current and might have to consider trading up to get one of the two. Potential trade targets might include San Diego with the 3rd pick; in fact, no one should rule out the possibility that the 49ers, who currently have the most picks of any team for the 2016 draft, at least give Tennessee a call to see what it might cost to get the top pick which would allow San Francisco to take their top candidate if they have a significantly higher grade on either Wentz or Goff. Meanwhile, Denver currently doesn’t have the salary cap space to accommodate Kaepernick and will have to make some roster moves to create some space. At the top of their list is the likelihood of releasing or trading LT Ryan Clady. Teams that reportedly watching that situation include Baltimore (#6) and the Giants (#10), both of which have top ten picks this year.
