49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick will exercise the opt-out clause in his contract after this season and become a free agent, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports.
Kaepernick agreed to a restructured contract in October, before starting his first game of the season. The team wanted him to sign a new contract because his original deal included substantial injury guarantees. Kaepernick voided the last four years of the contract and added a player option for the 2017 season.
Though Kaepernick is expected to become a free agent, “it would not be a surprise” if he returns as the Niners’ starting quarterback next season, Rapoport adds.