Colin Kaepernick has hired new agents to represent him in his first foray into the free agent market.
Sean Kiernan and Jeff Nalley of Select Sports Group have informed all 32 teams that Kaepernick will opt out of his contract and become a free agent for the first time in his six-year career, NFL Network reported Wednesday.
New 49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have kept an open approach regarding Kaepernick’s status, having met with the quarterback last Wednesday at the 49ers facility.
The 49ers options beyond Kaepernick could be lessening, meanwhile.
A day after Washington placed the exclusive franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, ESPN reported Wednesday morning the New England Patriots are not expected to trade backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.