The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Kaepernick won't be signing any contract for $18 million a season. Not for $18.5 million per year, either. The idea he would be happy to land a deal in the range of what Tony Romo or Jay Cutler is earning is a complete and total misnomer. Ain't happenin'. Talks with Kaepernick, if they truly get off the ground, will begin at $20 million a year.
Diehards Line:This according to CBSSports.com insider Jason La Canfora, who went on to advise readers that Kaepernick is perfectly willing to gamble on himself, a la Joe Flacco, and will play out his rookie contract if need be (he is signed through 2014). He won't be doing any "bridge contracts" or "band-aid deals," and La Canfora is convinced that an extension in the range of the Romos and Cutlers and Matthew Staffords simply is not happening. La Canfora added that Kaepernick believes he is a top-five quarterback. Staunchly. At a time when Aaron Rodgers is the league's top-rated passer at $22 million a year, and an aging Peyton Manning is the fifth-highest paid at $19.2 million a season, Kaepernick feels that he belongs somewhere between there. ... So stay tuned. It's safe to assume we'll be hearing more about this one on an ongoing basis.