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The San Francisco 49ers believe they have one of the top quarterbacks in the league in Colin Kaepernick and are financially planning to keep him in the Bay Area for years to come.
"I think there's a lot that he's done that has put him in that position where he should be paid like one of the top quarterbacks in the league," 49ers CEO Jed York said Tuesday via CSN. "And I think that's where we'll end up - whether we get it done now or later. We hope we get it done soon. If we don't, I don't think it's going to be acrimonious."
That confirms Kaepernick could be in the same pay grade as Joe Flacco, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Matt Ryan, who all make around $20 million per season.
"I like the growth he's shown," York added. "I like the maturity he's showing. I think he's becoming more of a leader."
Kaepernick is entering the final year of his initial rookie contract and is set to make $1.073 million in salary and in bonuses this season.