It is Week 6 and we are still talking about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but not for the reason you might think. Kaepernick continues to silently protest during the playing of our National Anthem, but this week when the ”Star-Spangled Banner” comes to an end, he’ll be trotting onto the field as the starting quarterback.
Most-discussed player in the NFL this season will now actually play. #ColinKaepernick
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 11, 2016
I sense that there has been tension between Kap and the Niners’ front office that predates Kaepernick taking a stand (or really, taking a knee) during the Anthem. There seems to be equal distaste between the two parties, but that has temporarily halted because, simply put, they both need each other.
Never sensed a warm embrace from 49ers towards Kap this year, even let him talk to Broncos re trade. Now, though, a marriage of convenience.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 11, 2016
49ers-Kaepernick present marriage of convenience includes restructure to allow for divorce after season, per @caplannfl. Kap can opt out.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 12, 2016
The 49ers and @Kaepernick7 are like a marriage staying together for the kids. Inevitable divorce ahead, but need each other next 2 months.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 13, 2016
Kaepernick also agreed to an adjusted (and team-friendly) deal that would allow him to make his likely departure from San Francisco as early as the end of this season. The 49ers take on the Buffalo Bills this Sunday in Western New York in a game that could be make or break for the 49ers and Kaepernick’s relationship.
Will be interesting to see if team re-worked injury guarantee beyond this season. https://t.co/yLE7Gtujnc
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 11, 2016
Translation (from team to player): “We’ll feel better about playing you if we’re not stuck paying you next year if you get hurt.”#Kaepernick https://t.co/ScabrtoSPv
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 7, 2016
In other NFL news, Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr. continue to be labeled as the “D word” – distraction. Theirs and other players’ antics on and off the field have led coaches and media alike to question whether their behavior is interfering with the game. The fact is, as long as a player is at the top of his game, front offices will continue to let him throw tantrums without cutting him loose.
Obvious but relevant point re sports (and all businesses): greater talent = greater tolerance. Were Odell/Dez lesser talents, teams move on.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 6, 2016
Further evidence of talent/tolerance. Lesser players couldn’t be as outspoken as they are. https://t.co/iMMxEouRaE
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 13, 2016
This tolerance, however, does have a limit. We saw it last year when the Panthers let Josh Norman walk away without getting so much as a draft pick in return and even more recently when Greg Hardy announced that he was heading for the UFC after failing to secure an NFL contract. The talent/tolerance equation is certainly a complicated one. For my personal experience working with an NFL head case and more on Kaepernick and distractions, check out this week’s post for The MMQB. And if you still haven’t had your Kaepernick fill, head over to Ross Tucker’s weekly podcast, where I joined the NFL analyst to dive even further into the drama between Kap and the 49ers.
