San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has just been signed to a six-year contract extension through the 2020 season. The deal is reportedly worth more than $110 million, including a record guaranteed $61 million.
This new contract places Kaepernick among the 10 highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. After taking over the starting role from former quarterback Alex Smith midway through the 2011 season, Kaepernick led the 49ers to its first Super Bowl in 18 years in 2012. He accomplished this feat after making only only nine career starts, the third fewest starts among all quarterbacks in NFL history to start a Super Bowl. He then led the 49ers to the NFC title game again last season. In 2013, Kaepernick started all 16 regular season games, and all three postseason contests, setting career highs in completions (243), passing yards (3,197) and passing touchdowns (21), while also recording 92 rushing attempts for 542 yards and four touchdowns.
The extension is expected to have strong implications for potential deals for Cam Newton, Andy Dalton and Alex Smith this year, along with those for Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russel Wilson next year, when they are eligible to sign their first contract extensions.
[Sources: www.49ers.com; ESPN.com]
