Kaepernick in line to receive a significant raise in salary.
San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke has revealed that he hopes to tie up a new deal for quarterback Colin Kaepernick before training camp starts.
The Niners have continuously insisted that signing Kaepernick to a new deal has been their top priority for some time, however this is the first time they have put a timeline on their objective.
The 26-year-old signal-caller is 21-8 as an NFL starter, and has led the franchise to two NFC title games and one Super Bowl in less than two full seasons as a starter which has ensured that the organisation have seemingly decided that he is their future in that position.
Kaepernick, a second-round draft pick in 2011, is set to make just over $1m in 2014, but will now likely command a contract that averages in the $18m to $20m bracket which will be a reward for his consistent form over the past two seasons.
Baalke has insisted that he wants to finalise the details of the new deal prior to the opening of training camp for the 49ers, with preliminary talks with the player’s agent said to have already taken place.
“We’re going to work extremely hard, very diligently in trying to get something done prior to training camp. That’s the objective right now, as it stands,” Baalke said, according to Comcast Sports Net Bay Area, as reported by ESPN.
49ers CEO Jed York shared his opinion that Kaepernick has done more than enough to warrant being paid like one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and he is confident that a deal will be agreed upon relatively swiftly.
The franchise also have other considerations at the end of next season, with Michael Crabtree, Aldon Smith and Mike Iupati all set to see their contracts expire.
However, the 49ers are said to have options and franchise tags which allow them some flexibility, but it is evident that Kaepernick’s long-term future is the first port of call with his new back-up, Blaine Gabbert set to make about twice as much this coming season.
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