NFL Notes: Colin Kaepernick, Jason Pierre-Paul, Cowboys, Patriots, & Seahawks

Colin Kaepernick

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the question for the 49ers next year is whether they’ll keep QB Colin Kaepernick beyond April 1, at which point his $11.9 million base salary becomes fully guaranteed.

San Francisco would face a similar decision on April 1 of 2017, assuming Kaepernick is still with the team at that point in time.

Another consideration for the 49ers is the fact that owe Kaepernick $31.6 million in salary, which is guaranteed for injury only. He would only get this money if he sustained a career-ending injury, but this could lead to the team benching Kaepernick rather than take a chance he gets hurt.

Jason Pierre-Paul

Giants RB Rashad Jennings mentioned during an appearance on Pro Football Talk Live that they, as players, have “no idea” when DE Jason Pierre-Paul will return to the team.

“We absolutely have no idea from a players’ standpoint but we know he’s working hard,” Jennings said. “We know he’s gonna go out and have a lot of frustration that he wants to release so we got somewhere for him to do it.”

Cowboys

• Pro Football Talk mentions that with the Cowboys 0-3 since Brandon Weeden took over as their starting quarterback, it would not be surprising to see Dallas make a quarterback change during their upcoming bye week.
• The Cowboys traded for Matt Cassel, who has already supplanted Kellen Moore as the backup quarterback, so he would likely be their guy if changes are made.

Patriots

• According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Patriots WR Brandon LaFell‘s (foot, PUP) recovery remains “on schedule” and he was able to work out before today’s game.

Seahawks

• Joel Corry of CBS Sports points out that Marshawn Lynch‘s agent, Doug Hendrickson, made a smart move by eliminating Lynch’s per-game active roster bonuses during negotiations.
• According to Corry, had the roster bonuses remained in his contract, he would have lost $250,000 this season.