NaVorro Bowman Speaks on Impact of Colin Kaepernick Trade Rumors on 49ers

Trade rumors have surrounded San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick all offseason long, but Niners linebacker NaVorro Bowman said Thursday that the situation hasn't yet created a distraction.

According to Will Brinson of CBSSports.com, however, Bowman acknowledged the Kaepernick situation could become a bigger issue the longer it gets drawn out: "When the season rolls around, I think it will be a distraction. But right now, guys are just focused on what we have to do. I'm sure upstairs [the 49ers' front office] and Colin are trying to get everything right."

Bowman's comment suggests he isn't worried about the media circus regarding Kap unless the divisive signal-caller is still on the roster when the 2016 season begins.

While it is possible the Niners will hang on to the 28-year-old Nevada alum, it was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on April 4 that San Francisco and the Denver Broncos agreed to a trade in principle involving Kaepernick provided the 49ers take on $4.9 million in salary.

Kaepernick lost his starting job to Blaine Gabbert last season, and he would be the incumbent starter in the event of a trade, although the 49ers hold the No. 7 overall pick in the draft, which could land them a highly touted quarterback such as Carson Wentz or Jared Goff.

While Kap led the 49ers to the Super Bowl just four seasons ago and went 12-4 as a starter the next year, his play declined significantly in 2015 with just 1,615 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight starts.

Kaepernick has a dual-threat skill set that could conceivably mesh well with new head coach Chip Kelly and his up-tempo offense, but he reportedly requested a trade in February.

Provided Kaepernick is unhappy, having him on the roster when the season begins could make for an awkward situation that would undoubtedly be poked and prodded by the media.

It hasn't been a problem thus far due to the fact that it's the offseason, but Bowman's concerns regarding what could happen down the line are fair considering how strained Kapernick's relationship with the organization appears to be from the outside looking in.  

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