Three teams are involved in trade talks with the 49ers to acquire quarterback Colin Kaepernick, a league source told CSNBayArea.com on Thursday morning.
The Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns have contacted the 49ers about a potential trade, but the 49ers have not yet received an offer to prompt them to part ways with Kaepernick, the source said.
The 49ers are looking for a second-round draft pick, but the Broncos may be willing to part with a third-round pick, reports Mike Silver of the NFL Network.
The 49ers have told teams that they would be happy to keep Kaepernick if the compensation is not right.
Coach Chip Kelly is confident that Kaepernick can have success in his system, according to a source. Just hours before Kaepernick’s representatives requested permission from the 49ers to seek a trade two weeks ago, Kelly spoke about Kaepernick’s status on the team. He seemed perplexed with the suggestion that Kaepernick wanted to leave the 49ers.
"I don't know what the narrative is that, 'Is he on the team? Is he not on the team?' " Kelly told 49ers beat reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "It's never been a question. I'm excited to work with Colin. I've never thought that, 'Hey, I'm going to go to San Francisco and he's not going to be there.' I don't know why everybody else looks at it that way, either."
The Jets have not “put their cards on the table,” according to a source, as they could be waiting to see if they are able to re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Browns are expected to release Johnny Manziel. Josh McCown, who started eight games for the Browns last season, remains on the Browns’ roster.
The Super Bowl-winning Broncos are in desperate need of a quarterback after Peyton Manning retired this week and Brock Osweiler signed Wednesday with the Houston Texans. Kaepernick is the Broncos’ “chief target,” Silver reported.
