San Francisco 49ers

Kaepernick earning 49ers job next season

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Despite all of the off-field drama Colin Kaepernick has made this year, his on-field play has been steadily improving. In fact, he may be the top contender for the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback job next fall.

Colin Kaepernick has been steadily improving for the San Francisco 49ers. The maligned and criticized quarterback has quietly become a solid starter, and not just on your fantasy team.

While Kaepernick has received his fair share of criticism — despite much of it being for off-field antics — his play, while still not consistent, is much better than it was a few weeks ago.

Kaepernick has noticed the improvement too, per SFGate:

“I feel like I’m getting more and more comfortable in this offense. Ultimately, I think that’s what it comes down to for a quarterback. Getting comfortable in an offense, really getting your feet settled in, getting that foundation, where you can go out and just play freely. This offense has been great for me in that way.”

With his stats improving since Week 8 and the “eye test” looking a bit better every week, Kap may be making a case to remain in San Francisco as the starting quarterback next season.

After all, the incoming draft class does not have any “sure things” at the quarterback position. Second overall seems way too high to draft someone like DeShone Kizer.

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There is one caveat, however: Kaepernick would have to want to come back. After renegotiating his contract this season, Kap now has a player-option after the season. Hence, Number 7 could take a chance and try his luck with other NFL teams, hoping they like what they’ve seen.

He likely won’t have the same starting chance he’d have in San Francisco, however. While tensions may remain high with the front office, the team dynamic does not seem to be a problem.

The point? Kaepernick may yet return to lead this 49ers offense, for better or for worse.

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