GM: Goal to extend Colin Kaepernick

The San Francisco 49ers want to extend Colin Kaepernick before the start of the 2014 season.

While the team previously has acknowledged that signing the quarterback is a top priority, general manager Trent Baalke for the first time Tuesday put a timeline on its goals of locking up Kaepernick with a new deal.

Baalke told reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Fla., that the 49ers would like to get the deal done before training camp starts in late July. This is significant because it means the team has seen enough of Kaepernick, a second-round pick in 2011, to believe he is its future. 

"We're going to work extremely hard, very diligently in trying to get something done prior to training camp. That's the objective right now, as it stands," Baalke said, according to Comcast Sports Net Bay Area.

Kaepernick is 21-8 as an NFL starter. He has led the 49ers to the Super Bowl and two NFC championships games in less than two full seasons as a starter.

The 49ers already have had preliminary talks with Kaepernick's agent. The QB is set to make just over $1 million this season. His new backup, Blaine Gabbert, is set to make about twice as much in 2014.

Kaepernick likely will command a contract that averages in the $18-20 million range. He is the first of several big-dollar contracts facing the 49ers. Deals for receiver Michael Crabtree, pass-rusher Aldon Smith and guard Mike Iupati are set to expire after the 2014 season, although with options and franchise tags, the 49ers have some flexibility.