NFL Notes: Colin Kaepernick, Joe Thomas, Bills, & Titans

Colin Kaepernick

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the 49ers’ decision to bench QB Colin Kaepernick is curious, given that the trade deadline is less than 24 hours away.

Florio speculates that the move could be an attempt to invite a team to call and make an offer for Kaepernick.

The decision to bench is viewed by Florio as an indication that the 49ers are likely done with him as their quarterback moving forward, which means he’ll like be cut or traded by April 1 of next year.

According to Florio, the 49ers could be best served waiting until next year to trade him, when a team like the Eagles could be in a better position to offer them an appealing trade offer.

• Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com mentions that the cost for the 49ers to trade Kaepernick or release him would be around $7.4 million against the cap.
• There are only injury guarantees in Kaepernick’s contract until April 1.
• Fitzgerald adds that the 49ers would pick up $9.4 million in cap space next year if they cut Kaepernick.

Joe Thomas

• ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that the Browns are open for business and willing to trade LT Joe Thomas. if a team is willing to part with a “bounty of picks” for him.
• Even so, Mortensen considers it unlikely that Thomas will be dealt.
• Jason La Canfora has yet to hear anything substantive regarding the Browns trade Thomas.
• However, La Canfora admits that the Browns remain “largely open for business” otherwise ahead of tomorrow’s trade deadline.

Bills

• According to Jason La Canfora, the Bills are starting to get very healthy overall this week, but it’s “not looking good” for WR Percy Harvin.
• However, there appears to be positive signs for QB Tyrod Taylor and RB Karlos Williams.

Titans

• Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt told reporters Monday that he has not considered making any changes to his coaching in-season. (Terry McCormick)