Coach Chip Kelly has his coaching staff in place. Most of his work for a while will take place behind the scenes, as he and his assistants will evaluate the talent already on the team’s roster.
Kelly shared few feelings about his new team at his introductory press conference, so there are not many hints about the direction the team is heading.
But let’s go to the 49ers’ Mailbag to answer some question. . .
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Do you see Colin Kaepernick starting in Chip Kelly's offense? (Ricardo El Don Jacquez)
Yes, I can see Colin Kaepernick starting for the 49ers next season. But I can also see it the other way, too.
General manager Trent Baalke has strongly suggested in recent weeks the 49ers will not try to release Kaepernick before April 1. Therefore, Kaepernick’s scheduled $11.9 million salary will become fully guaranteed.
What happens after that is anybody’s guess. The 49ers could still attempt to trade Kaepernick. But it seems reasonable that Kelly will want to get Kaepernick on the field and see how he could function in his offense.
[RELATED: Rival DC: Kap 'Freddy Krueger' scary in Kelly's offense]
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A source who has worked closely with Kaepernick in the past told CSNBayArea.com recently that he believes Kaepernick had no chance to improve under the coaching on last year’s team. The person said he believes Kelly is the kind of “strong, demanding coach” that Kaepernick needs in order to excel.
“Kap is a good player that needs to be hungry and coached hard,” the source said.
CEO Jed York said last week on the Rich Eisen Show that the hiring of Kelly provides “a fresh start” for everyone.
[RELATED: 49ers' York talks Kap: 'This is a fresh start for everybody']
"And I think Chip is going to be a great addition, not just for Kap, but for the rest of the team,” York said. “I'm excited to see where it goes."
What is the update on Anthony Davis? If he decides to return how does that affect cap space since he is technically still under contract? (Alex Tran)
There is no update on Anthony Davis, who has yet to apply for reinstatement off the reserve/retired list.
Davis has “guaranteed” – the word he used on Twitter – that he will be back in the NFL next season. The 49ers own his rights through the 2020 season. He would be on the books for a very reasonable pay of $3.35 million for the 2016 season.
[RELATED: Baalke responds to Anthony Davis’ claims of return to 49ers]
If Davis indeed decides he wants to attempt a comeback, the team will determine what happens next. He would not be given anything. If he wins the job at right tackle, he’ll be there. Buf if they want to go with Trent Brown or somebody else at right tackle, do they move Davis inside to guard or attempt to trade him?
But the first steps are for him to apply for reinstatement and show up at the team’s offseason program.