Colin Kaepernick’s camp reached an agreement with the 49ers on Wednesday, when the two sides came to terms on a mega extension that includes a record $60 million in guaranteed money for the star quarterback.
According to reports, the package as a whole has a ceiling of $126 million over six years.
[RELATED: 49ers sign Kaepernick to blockbuster deal through 2020]
“Colin’s hard work and dedication have played an integral role in the recent success of the 49ers organization,” general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement.
“His work ethic, leadership and on-field production have positively influenced our team, and we look forward to his continued growth in all areas.”
The figures in Kaepernick’s deal have set a new standard for those who electrify behind center. It also speaks to budding potential vs. above-average consistency.
In just a season and a half, Kap proved that he is worth more than a three-time Super Bowl winner and a five-time league MVP, among others.
| NAME | GUARANTEED MONEY |
| Colin Kaepernick | $60M |
| Matt Ryan | $59M |
| Peyton Manning | $58M |
| Tom Brady | $57M |
| Tony Romo | $55M |
| Drew Brees | $55M |
| Aaron Rodgers | $54M |
| Jay Cutler | $54M |
| Sam Bradford | $50M |
| Matthew Stafford | $41.5 |
Looking at the names on the list, and considering the lavish investment by the organization, could this mean the 49ers are looking to veer from their ground-and-pound roots in the near future?
Are they ready to lean more on the quarterback?
After all, San Francisco ranked last in passing attempts in 2013 with 417, while carrying the persona as one of the formidable rushing teams in the NFL.
In fact, since coach Jim Harbaugh installed his system, airing it out not been a team philosophy, as the 49ers finished 31st in 2011, 31st in 2012 and 32nd in 2013 in passing attempts.
The infrastructure of this team and the way it plays offensive football could very well be just some of the ripple effects emitted by this megaton contract.
[RELATED: Steve Young says Colin Kaepernick needs to run less, learn progressions]
Moreover, while this deal is headline news at the moment, it is worth noting that Russell Wilson’s deal is not yet complete with the Seattle Seahawks.
And given that he is the reigning Super Bowl champion –- having defeated Kap and the 49ers en route to the Lombardi Trophy -– Wilson should be in line for an even grander payout in 2015.
Kaepernick's milestone deal may just be the next marker signaling the soaring inflation for franchise quarterbacks.
