SANTA CLARA -- Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose offseason trade request did not result in a change of scenery, expressed excitement on Thursday that he remains a member of the 49ers.
When asked if he is confident his best opportunity for success is now with the 49ers, Kaepernick said, “I’m very confident in that.”
Kaepernick reported to the 49ers on April 4 for the opening of the offseason program. He did not miss a day of offseason workouts under the direction of new coach Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins and quarterbacks coach Ryan Day.
“What Chip, the coaching staff, my teammates have really done this offseason, and the work they’ve put in and how everything has been going, I’m very excited to be here,” Kaepernick said. “I’m very happy to be here. And looking forward to training camp.”
Kaepernick, who is usually brief in his interaction with the media, answered questions for 18 minutes. In making his first public comments since Jan. 4, Kaepernick extended the Q&A session after a 49ers public-relations director attempted to cut off the press briefing after approximately 10 minutes.
His future with the 49ers was in serious question for most of the offseason. In February, Kaepernick’s agents, Scott Smith and Jason Bernstein, requested permission to seek a trade during a meeting with 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and chief negotiator Paraag Marathe.
Kaepernick met with Denver Broncos general manager John Elway, but the Broncos and Kaepernick’s side could never agree on a new contract. Kaepernick had a contract that guaranteed him $11.9 million in base salary. The Broncos offered Kaepernick $7 million, CSN Bay Area’s Mindi Bach reported in March.
Kaepernick said he still has not spoken with Baalke, but he declined to outline the reasons he requested the trade.
“Organizations at the end of the season go through and evaluate personnel and opportunities,” Kaepernick said. “That was something, I sat down with my team and did the same thing. That’s how we handled the business.
“We were looking at different opportunities. I don’t want to get into specifics of what happened, why things happened. At this point, everything is football. I’m a 49er. Once again, excited to work with Chip and this coaching staff, Curtis and Ryan have been amazing. I’m excited about what’s to come.”
Kaepernick returned to practice this week to take part in 7-on-7 drills. He lost a considerable amount of weight and strength as he rehabbed from surgeries to his left shoulder, right thumb and left knee.
“My health is doing well,” Kaepernick said. “I’m happy to get back out on the field this week. Everything’s coming along, progressing as planned. At this point I can really get rolling. And I’m excited to get back on the field, get healthy and be ready for this training camp.”
He said he expects to be “full-go” for the opening of training camp, at which point he will compete against Blaine Gabbert for the starting job.
“(I’m) ready to compete, ready to give this team everything I have,” Kaepernick said.
He said his unique offseason has not had any impact on how he’s approached his job since reporting back to the 49ers.
“I don’t ‘think it’s been an awkward situation,” Kaepernick said. “That was a business aspect of football. At this point, I’m here. I’m excited to be with Chip and these coaches. The offense has been amazing. My teammates have been great with their support. I’m excited to be back on the field with them. . . The fans support I’ve gotten through everything has been amazing. It’s made me excited to be out here and play.”
