Report: 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick In Line For A “Top-5 Deal”

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick could end up signing one of the largest contracts in NFL history this offseason.

Having spoken to a number of NFL general managers and contract experts, La Canfora mentions that Kaepernick could end up with a annual salary at least $18 million in his contract and possibly as much as $20 million.

Kaepernick, 26, has one year remaining on his rookie deal and is now eligible to negotiate a contract extension. As things stand right now, Kaepernick will make $973,766 for the 2014 season, but that could of course change in the coming months.

Some of the people La Canfora spoke with mentioned that Sunday’s game against the Seahawks could have a huge impact on his next contract. A loss could leave the 49ers will more leverage in contract talks while a win would be his second Super Bowl appearance in as many years since taking over for Alex Smith last season.

La Canfora mentions that a win could force San Francisco to pay him more than the recent contracts signed by Jay Cutler and Tony Romo. However, many of La Canfora sources also believe Kaepernick would rather take the “Joe Flacco route” and play out the remainder of his rookie contract rather than expect a short-term deal.

It’s hard to say what a Kaepernick extension would look like given that he is an unprecedented case, but here’s a breakdown of the contracts handed out to quarterbacks in the past year:

Here’s a look at the contracts signed by NFL quarterbacks in the past year:

• Matt Ryan (28):
  • six years, $113.75M total, $59M guaranteed, $18,96M annually. 
• Tony Romo (33):
  • seven years, $119.5M total, $55M guaranteed, $17.07M annually.
• Aaron Rodgers (30):
  • seven years, $130.75M total, $54M guaranteed, $18.67M annually.
• Jay Cutler (30):
  • seven years, $126M total, $54M guaranteed, $18M annually.
• Joe Flacco (28):
  • six-years, $120.6M total, $52M guaranteed, $20.1M annually.
• Matthew Stafford (25):
  • five years, $76.5M total, $41.5M guaranteed, $15.3M annually.

Regardless of whether or not the 49ers win or lose today, Kaepernick is in line for a big raise and should be able to at least come close to one of these contracts based on his production and age.