San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick said earlier this week to the Reno Gazette-Journal this week that he plans to fight for the starting position in 2012.
"Someone told me coach Harbaugh said it's an open job," Kaepernick said. "It will be earned. I think they'll give me a fair shot.I plan on being in San Francisco and plan on trying to take the starting job. That's what your goal is as a football player."
None of this is groundbreaking news. Harbaugh has openly said that every position on the roster has to be earned going into 2012. At the same time, Harbaugh has also openly advocated for the return of starter Alex Smith. (The 49ers are likely to offer Smith a three-year deal that could pay him about $7 million annually).
Would Kaepernick have a realistic shot at becoming the starter if the 49ers invest that kind of money in Smith? As of right now, it seems unlikely.
One thing that makes it tough is that Kaepernick remains as a work in progress. He didn't have a strong preseason last year and saw little action during the regular season. Meanwhile, Smith started every game and played very efficiently.
It will be hard for Smith to lose his job unless he completely goes 180-degrees in his progression with the team. That seems unlikely as Smith has finally found a coach and playbook that fits him well. Continuity for the team is very key.
Of course, Kaepernick has that mindset of hopefully doing enough to supplant Smith. In order to do that, he needs to improve in his craft during the offseason workouts and during training camp. Harbaugh will give the second-year quarterback every opportunity to show that he is ready to start in the league.
But if Smith continues to play and improve like he did during last year's camp, Kaepernick will start the 2012 season like he did last year -- the team's backup. Like Harbaugh said, Kaepernick has to earn that role.
Comments