The San Francisco 49ers are currently in negotiation for a lucrative deal with Colin Kaepernick, but reports suggested that trading the quarterback could be an option for the 49ers.
The San Francisco Chronicles opened up the idea about trading Kaepernick, suggesting that Jim Harbaugh's recent statement about top quarterback prospect Johnny Manziel could mean that he is eyeing the former Texas A&M standout in the draft.
"I'd welcome the challenges of taking Johnny Manziel," Harbaugh said. "He sees the field like nobody I've ever seen see the field in college football. You'd love to work with that."
The 49ers have five picks in the top 100, but Manziel will likely be unavailable during their turn. And to have a shot at drafting Manziel, the SF Chronicles' Kevin Lynch wrote that the 49ers could consider trading Kaepernick.
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"It was also interesting that Harbaugh would make such a comment while the team is in negotiations with Colin Kaepernick," Lynch said of Harbaugh's comment about Manziel. "The 49ers have 11 picks in May's NFL draft and five picks in the first 100. Could they trade their bundle of picks and move into the top five to take a shot a Manziel?"
Trading Kaepernick is highly unlikely, but Lynch is unsure whether or not the 49ers are really willing to offer a lucrative extension to their starting quarterback, who is expected to command $18 million to $20 million salary.
Lynch noted that trading Kaepernick and taking Manziel could also be a good move for the 49ers - better than giving Kaepernick a lucrative deal. He noted that the 49ers would have enough room to acquire more key players if they end up trading Kaepernick for a shot at Manziel.
"With the money they are reserving for Kaepernick, they could sign a certain speedy receiver out of Cal (DeSean Jackson) and have plenty leftover to sign players like wide receiver Michael Crabtree and guard Mike Iupati. This is all a pipe dream, but you never know what stirs in the minds of the 49ers' football men," Lynch wrote.
