NFL Notes: Colin Kaepernick, 49ers, Chargers, Jaguars, Patriots

Colin Kaepernick

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Colin Kaepernick plans to stand during the National Anthem next year, as opposed to continuing his protest.

According to Schefter, Kaepernick no longer his decision to kneel for the Anthem last year to detract from the positive change that he believes has been created.

Schefter adds that Kaepernick believes the response from NFL and NBA players, women’s soccer and college and high school athletes nationwide has affirmed the message he was trying to deliver.

For what it’s worth, Jason Cole reports that several teams have said that they wouldn’t sign Kaepernick this offseason if he continued to knee for the National Anthem.

49ers

Master Tesfatsion reports that the 49ers want a franchise quarterback but not at the cost of giving up a number of draft picks on top of a big-money contract.

• 49ers GM John Lynch told reporters that they are keeping the door open to bringing back QB Colin Kaepernick in a “real way.” (Gregg Rosenthal)
• Lynch confirmed that they would have released Kaepernick had he not opted out of his contract. (Sirius XM NFL Radio)
• When asked about possibly pursuing a trade for Redskins QB Kirk Cousins, Lynch said: “All options are available to us.” (Sirius XM NFL Radio)
• Lynch mentioned that they interviewed Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer last night and he “blew the doors off” during his meeting. Also mentioned Deshaun Watson, Mitch Trubisky, and Pat Mahomes as quarterback prospects that they’re interested in. (Nick Wagoner)
• Lynch said of UNC QB Mitch Trubisky: “The more you watch him, the more you like him.” (Eric Branch)

Chargers

• Michael Gehlken reports that the Chargers had offered contracts to multiple in-house free agents prior to the Scouting Combine including S Jahleel Addae among them.
• According to Gehlken, talks ongoing with Addae. Teams reportedly covet Addae physicality.

Jaguars

• Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell said they will bring Pittsburgh QB Nathan Peterman in for a pre-draft visit. (Michael DiRocco)
• Caldwell mentioned he doesn’t imagine picking up QB Blake Bortles‘ fifth-year option until closer to the May deadline. (Conor Orr)
• Caldwell confirmed that S Johnathan Cyprien and CB Prince Amukamara will test the free agent market. (John Oesher)

Patriots

• Jeff Howe reports that free agent LB Dont’a Hightower and the Patriots are continuing to keep an open and productive dialogue. Howe adds that the two sides are aware of each other’s parameters.
• Howe adds that the Patriots believe they have made a “solid offer” to free agent DT Alan Branch. (NFLTR)
• According to Howe, it appears as though CB Logan Ryan and S Duron Harmon will hit free agency then present their best offers to the Patriots to see if they’ll be interested matching.
• In regards to WR Danny Amendola, Howe says that he has been open to renegotiating the final year of this deal since last spring and those talks are expected to happen at some point in the near future.
• Howe mentions that the  Patriots are expected to be heavily focused on edge rushers this offseason and he would be surprised if they didn’t draft two and sign one.