The Facts: What was reported on Wednesday became official on Friday. Kaepernick has opted out of his contract and is now a free agent. Kaepernick met with John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan last week at the team facility and indicated that this would be his course of action. "We had an idea (that he would opt out)," Shanahan said on Wednesday. "He didn't say it for sure, but we talked about it, and we had an idea he would go that route."

Diehards Line: Thursday marked the first day that Kaepernick could officially opt out. He can begin to negotiate a new contract on March 7. Free agency officially begins on March 9. Kaepernick threw for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in 11 starts last season. He’s got 72 career passing touchdowns since being taken by the 49ers in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. ... Meanwhile, the Niners begin searching for their franchise QB with reports hinting at an interest in Washington's Kirk Cousins.