Kaepernick officially opts out of 49ers contract

Colin Kaepernick officially opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced Friday.

The 29-year-old quarterback is now a free agent and will be able to sign a new contract on March 9, the start of the new league year.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch promised an extensive search for their new quarterback. San Francisco holds the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

"You've got to do your homework and look into everything," Shanahan said, according to the team's official website.

Blaine Gabbert remains on the 49ers' roster, but it's likely the team looks elsewhere to find a long-term option at its most important position.