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Vikings: Ranking 5 potential Teddy Bridgewater replacements from ‘pathetic’ to ‘less pathetic’

By Brandon Estrict

Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) scrambles against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) scrambles against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) talks to fullback Bruce Miller (49) in the game against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Levi
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) talks to fullback Bruce Miller (49) in the game against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Levi /

1. Colin Kaepernick

Even before controversy arose regarding Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the nation anthem, his production had begun to dip. Kaepernick led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII in 2012, and is 31-22 in his career as a starter.

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Kaepernick hasn’t been able to replicate his early success under Jim Harbaugh, as the league caught on to him. Things got especially bad under Jim Tomsula in 2015. Kaepernick was benched for Blaine Gabbert. Yes, the Blaine Gabbert who used to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Things figured to look up again when the 49ers hired Chip Kelly as their head coach. Kelly’s unorthodox spread-option offense seemed to suit Kap’s physical talents. It was a no-brainer a rejuvenated Kaepernick would run away with the job, his playing style is, schematically, a perfect fit.

Not so fast. Word out of 49ers camp is Kaepernick has yet to overtake Gabbert. Kelly says the team will name their starter after the final preseason game, but it doesn’t bode well that Kaepernick is playing and Gabbert is not. The decision may already have been made.

What a difference a couple seasons make. Kaepernick was San Francisco’s savior when he replaced Alex Smith and led them to the Super Bowl. Today, he’s become a pariah who may not begin this season on a roster.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best QB of All-Time

Kap may be young and talented enough to turn it around, but his political stance assures there’ll be a ton of pressure on him to perform. Performing as a 49er is no longer a guarantee. If he is let go, he’s the best available quarterback in a bad bunch.

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