News & Info/Headlines

As NFL.com reported it, Colin Kaepernick was an unknown commodity two seasons ago, a backup quarterback behind a division champion starter. Now Kaepernick is a true franchise quarterback, with the contract to prove it. And fantasy football owners can count on the athletic signal caller to be plying his trade in San Francisco for years to come.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports, the Kaepernick and the 49ers have agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension through 2020 that will pay the signal-caller up to $126 million. The deal includes $60 million guaranteed.

Profootballtalk.com's Darin Gantt pointed out that, as always, the devil will reside in the financial details of this deal. But suffice it to say the 49ers believe their quarterback did nothing wrong in Miami, and will do many things right in the future.

Kaepernick was entering the final year of his rookie contract, which was set to pay him under $1 million.

It's worth noting that head coach Jim Harbaugh just last week predicted a "breakout" season for Kaepernick.

The coach pointed to the additions of veterans Stevie Johnson and Brandon Lloyd and the drafting of speedy wideout Bruce Ellington as one reason for that. "Kap said it the other day. He feels like he has a stable of receivers and maybe that's the first time we've said that since we've all been here together," Harbaugh said. "I concur. It feels that way."

The receiving corps was a bit of an issue last season. With Michael Crabtree out for most of the season, Anquan Boldin was the only 49ers wideout to catch more than 19 passes. San Francisco's third-leading target was fullback Bruce Miller. The lack of depth forced offensive coordinator Greg Roman to roll out a heavy dose of two-receiver sets as the 49ers pounded people with the run.

With a healthy Crabtree alongside Boldin, Johnson and tight end Vernon Davis, San Francisco has instant scheme versatility. Also working in his favor would be improved health for Kaepernick himself.

Indeed, fantasy owners wondering what happened to the more mobile quarterback they expected as their starter early last season might recall that Kaepernick claimed to have a hangnail on the "pinkie toe" of both feet early last season. Now we know that it was a little worse than that.

Kaepernick first appeared on the 49ers’ injury report in the days after the Week 2 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He never missed a practice or a game. In early November, Kaepernick was no longer listed on the injury report with the foot injury. But until it was healed, Harbaugh recently admitted, the team reduced the number of times the 49ers called plays in their quarterback-driven run game early in the season.

Kaepernick rushed 94 times for 524 yards during the regular season. He added 243 yards on 26 rushing attempts in just three playoff games. Sounds like the latter might be closer to the norm if he can avoid the nicks early this season. The upgraded receiving corps should add to that.

Bottom line for fantasy owners? Value could be had here.