Odds Are Heavily Stacked Against the 49ers Signing Kaepernick in 2018
- Garoppolo suffered a torn ACL in Week 3
- 49ers will turn to backup CJ Beathard in Week 4 date with Chargers
- Kaepernick has been idle since opting out of contract following 2016 NFL season
The San Francisco 49ers saw their chances of making a return to the NFL playoffs take a major hit this past weekend, as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered an ACL injury in Sunday’s 38-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that will sideline him for the rest of the season.
Speculation has quickly swirled around the possibility of the 49ers looking outside the organization for a short-term replacement for Garoppolo, with Colin Kaepernick mentioned as a possible candidate to return to the team that he led to a Super Bowl berth six years ago.
However, with San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan announcing plans to hand the ball to second-year quarterback CJ Beathard for next weekend’s clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, Kaepernick is listed as a longshot to sign with the 49ers this season.
Odds the 49ers Sign Colin Kaepernick in 2018
| Will the 49ers sign Kaepernick in 2018 | Odds |
|---|---|
| YES | +500 |
| NO | -800 |
*Odds opened at YES +400 and NO -700
Anthem Protests Marked Kaepernick’s Final Season with 49ers
Kaepernick has been idle since appearing in 12 games with the 49ers in 2016. In addition to leading the team to a 2-14 record that year, Kaepernick found himself at the center of controversy for his gestures of protest during pre-game renditions of the national anthem.
Kaepernick found himself at the center of controversy for his gestures of protest during pre-game renditions of the national anthem
The 30-year-old’s protests gained momentum as the season progressed, while also drawing the ire of many fans and US president-elect Donald Trump, who reportedly suggested that Kaepernick “find another country”.
While the 49ers tied a franchise record for most regular-season losses during his final season with the squad, Kaepernick continued to produce respectable numbers, throwing for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns in 12 appearances.
He also enjoyed previous success with the 49ers, leading the team to the NFC championship game and one Super Bowl appearance over his first three seasons with the squad.
However, Kaepernick has been unable to come to terms with another NFL team since opting out of a lucrative contract following the 2016 campaign, leading him to take legal action against the league.
Beathard Showed Steady Progress in Niners Debut
A third-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, Beathard produced mixed results while leading the 49ers to one victory in seven appearances last season before giving way to Garoppolo.
Despite seeing the losses pile up, Beathard showed steady progress in his rookie year audition, connecting on four touchdown passes, including a three-TD performance in a 31-21 victory over the New York Giants.
Beathard also demonstrated his ability to scramble with three scoring runs over his seven outings.
However, the 24-year-old faces a tough test in his return to action next weekend as the 49ers travel south to face the Los Angeles Chargers pegged as early 10-point underdogs.
San Francisco has lost four straight to the Chargers, and a poor performance by Beathard could lead Shanahan to reconsider his options, including turning to Kaepernick, who sports +500 odds of making a return to the 49ers at some point in time this season.
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
