San Francisco 49ers

Report: Colin Kaepernick wants to sever ties with 49ers to join Jets

Published Feb. 2, 2016 7:27 p.m. ET

foxsports

Colin Kaepernick apparently wants the fresh start promised last week by San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York. But he reportedly wants it with the New York Jets.

The New York Daily News, citing sources, reported Tuesday that Kaepernick wants out of the Bay Area despite the hiring of new coach Chip Kelly and is hoping to land with the New York Jets.

According to the report, the Jets are aware of Kaepernick's wishes and "intrigued" by the notion, but they are still in the midst of their own offseason evaluations and cannot comment due to potential tampering violations.

Kaepernick was benched midway through this past season with the 49ers and placed on injured reserved in November with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The fifth-year quarterback also underwent surgery last month to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb as well as a procedure on his left knee.

York gave Kaepernick a ringing endorsement last week but also made it clear that the decision on Kaepernick's future is up to Kelly and his staff. Kaepernick's $11.9 million salary for 2016 becomes guaranteed if he is still on the team's roster on April 1.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, who guided the Jets to a 10-6 mark this past season, is scheduled to become a free agent, but New York coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan both have said they would like to re-sign him.