49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick spoke to reporters for the first time in six months Thursday, and though he addressed his trade request and other matters from a strange offseason, Kaepernick said he’s shifted his focus to a future he hopes includes staying with the 49ers.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Kaepernick said. “And looking forward to training camp.”
One of the most interesting things to come out of the conversation is that Kaepernick said he hasn’t spoken to 49ers general manager Trent Baalke since reporting for the start of the team’s offseason conditioning program in April.
The 49ers granted Kaepernick’s request to seek a trade early in the offseason, and though he met with Broncos executive vice president John Elway about a potential trade, the Broncos couldn’t get Kaepernick to agree to a pay cut. Now, Kaepernick says that was “just business,” not awkward, and that he’s focused on his future with new coach Chip Kelly and the 49ers.
“We were looking at different opportunities,” Kaepernick said of his trade request. “I don’t want to get into specifics of what happened, why things happened. At this point, everything is football. I’m a 49er. Once again, excited to work with Chip and this coaching staff.
“I’m excited about what’s to come.”
The end of minicamp Thursday marked the end of the team’s offseason program. Kaepernick was a limited participant through the spring while recovering from surgeries, but Kaepernick said he’ll be “full go” and cleared for the start of training camp, at which point he’ll compete with Blaine Gabbert for the starting job.
“Everything’s coming along, progressing as planned,” Kaepernick said. “At this point I can really get rolling. And I’m excited to get back on the field, get healthy and be ready for this training camp.”