San Francisco 49ers

Colin Kaepernick's fate with 49ers reportedly in Chip Kelly's hands

Published Mar. 21, 2016 8:17 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

Chip Kelly might be new to the San Francisco 49ers but he's apparently going to make one of the biggest decisions for the club next season.

The 49ers new coach will make the ultimate decision whether the team keeps Colin Kaepernick or cuts him, according to Bleacher Report. Owner Jed York wants to keep Kapernick, whose $11.9 million salary for next season will become guaranteed on April 1, but will leave the final decision to Kelly, according to the report.

Multiple teams have been linked to Kaeperinick, regressed badly last season, throwing for 1,615 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. The Broncos reportedly have shown the most interest in the fifth-year pro, but if Kelly believes he can turn around Kaepernick then keeping him would make the most sense.

Kaepernick, who went 2-6 last season as the starting QB, is rehabbing from surgeries on his left shoulder, right thumb and left knee.