Last night around 2 a.m., new-famed reporter Jayson Braddock, who also was the first to report that the Eagles signed Byron Maxwell, sent Twitter abuzz with the following:
BREAKING NEWS: 49ers have put Colin Kaepernick on the trading block. Taking offers.
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) March 9, 2015
He followed that up with another tweet that sent Twitter off, especially in Philadelphia:
The Eagles are confirmed as one of the two teams in talks and an unnamed NFC team as the other. (Colin Kaepernick trade)
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) March 9, 2015
He later went on to say that the Chicago Bears were the other team discussing a Kaepernick trade with the 49ers.
A week ago, no one knew who Jayson Braddock was. But he was right about Maxwell to Eagles. And he was right about Ryan Mallett to Houston. So he has earned some credibility.
Despite his recent success, the story was met with instant skepticism. It also drew a direct quote from 49ers general manager, Trent Baalke, who denied that Kaepernick was on the block: "Colin is our quarterback and we are excited to have him," Balke said. "He is not going anywhere. The media reports suggesting otherwise are without merit and, quite frankly, ridiculous."
Braddock followed up with two tweets defending his story:
Story has been verified by 3 different sources. Time will prove it. Been here before.
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) March 9, 2015
Lastly, for the record, direct quote, "SF put Kaepernick on the trading block". Remember, everything done in the dark comes to light.
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) March 9, 2015
For what it's worth, the 49ers also denied that there was a rift between the front office and former head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh later acknowledged the rift, saying the split with the 49ers was not his choice.
In addition to the 49ers direct rebuke, some national writers, including NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, have said that the 49ers are not trading Kaepernick:
Ian Rapoport live now with Mike & Mike: the 49ers are not trading Colin Kaepernick.
— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) March 9, 2015
It's interesting that Braddock has been able to get information on the Eagles twice now when other Philadelphia reporters — including even some of the best — have not. He was on 97.5 the Fanatic this weekend and alluded to the fact that he might have gotten the information from someone inside the Nova Care Complex.
But what does this mean for the Eagles? At this point, it is hard to reach a definitive conclusion on whether the Eagles are exploring the trade. If true, it confirms what some people around the Eagles have been saying since the end of last season: the Eagles are ready to move on from Nick Foles.
Kaepernick would bring an athletic dimension to the offense that Kelly has been missing since he left Oregon. He also has proven that he can win at the highest level, barely missing out on a Super Bowl and playing in two NFC Championship games.
But questions remain whether Kaepernick benefited by playing on one of the best and deepest rosters in the league that minimized his weaknesses (accuracy, touch, anticipation throws) while allowing him to pick his spots to make plays.
Despite their best efforts to bolster their defense this offseason, no one would mistake the Eagles defense for the 49ers under Harbaugh, so you have to wonder whether Kaepernick would struggle if he was asked to carry a defensively challenged team.
Regardless of whether the report is true, this could help the Eagles in their alleged negotiations with other teams about trading up to get Mariota. If the Eagles are able to at least suggest that they have a viable — and arguably better — alternative, they might be able to drive the price down on a deal to get Mariota.
All of this is speculation, but something worth keeping an eye on as we near closer to the start of free agency on Tuesday.
