Was Colin Kaepernick Congrats to Jim Harbaugh a Subtweet at 49ers Brass?

Less than two years ago, Colin Kaepernick had almost won a Super Bowl, almost reached another, and appeared to be on a path towards quarterback transcendence. Since then, the organization collapsed around him, Jim Harbaugh was jettisoned, many of his teammates retired or were arrested with violent crimes, and Kaepernick started to look like one of the players in Space Jam whose talent was stolen by aliens.

On Friday, Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan squad beat Florida in the Citrus Bowl, and Kaepernick tweeted a hearty message to his former coach:

Harbaugh responded affirmatively. Michigan’s comparative success this year has been in stark contrast to the 49ers, who are 4-11 and rudderless. Even if no shade was intentionally directed at them, there’s about zero chance that, in light of this dynamic, this message from Kaepernick went unnoticed by 49ers owner Jed York and GM Trent Baalke.

This offseason, a decision looms for the organization about whether to pay Kaepernick the money he’s owed next year, ask him to take a pay cut, attempt to trade him, or release him. Last month, I wrote about why Kaepernick should force the team to release him or pay the man his money: