So this is interesting.

The New York Jets are in such bad shape at quarterback they claim to have no idea who will start Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Truth be told, this isn't just a this-week problem; their quarterback issue stretches beyond 2015.

While the Jets are looking for an answer, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly benched their one-time franchise quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. The timing is most curious, considering the NFL trade deadline is 4 p.m. ET Tuesday.

Could the Jets make a trade for Kaepernick? Logistically, it's not out of the question.

That massive six-year, $114 million contract he signed last year is team-friendly because there is no fully guaranteed money beyond the $5.5 million owed to him for the remainder of this season. He has six years, $77.2 million left on the deal, through 2020, but it's deceiving.

Right now, Kaepernick's 2016 salary ($11.9 million) is guaranteed for injury only -- which, of course, would present a risk for the Jets if he were to suffer a severe injury this year. It could put them on the hook for that $11.9 million. The salary becomes fully guaranteed next April 1.

The bigger question: Is Kaepernick salvageable? He's having a poor season, continuing a two-year decline. There have been reports that he has alienated teammates. On the other hand, we're talking about a quarterback who started in the Super Bowl after the 2012 season ... a player with a 4-2 playoff record ... a guy who is only 28 years old. In fact, he turns 28 today.

The way Kaepernick's deal is structured, the Jets could bring him on for the remainder of the season without having to make a long-term commitment. In essence, he'd be a hired gun, charged with getting a win-now team to the playoffs. If it doesn't work out, they can cut or trade him before April 1.

On Monday, Todd Bowles was cagey when discussing Ryan FitzpatrickGeno SmithBryce Petty and his options. No doubt, there was an element of gamesmanship in Bowles' comments, especially if they're exploring trades -- and he acknowledged they are. Bowles didn't want to tip his hand or hurt the team's leverage in trade talks, so he basically revealed nothing.

At one point, he didn't rule out the possibility of this week's starter not being on the current roster. Hmm. He'd have to be a pretty accomplished player to walk in and be handed the starting job.

The 49ers probably could get more for Kaepernick by waiting to the offseason, when teams are in a rebooting mode. Right now, it would depend on a team such as the Jets succumbing to desperation, making an offer they can't refuse.

Hey, the Jets might be desperate. I find it hard to believe Fitzpatrick (torn ligament in non-throwing thumb) will be ready anytime soon. Do they really want to entrust their season to a banged-up Smith?

Obviously, there are many variables to a potential trade. Would the Jets surrender a high draft pick? Would they include someone such as linebackerQuinton Coples? We know general manager Mike Maccagnan isn't afraid of high-profile moves. Dealing for Kaepernick would be a game-changer, a season-changer and, potentially, a franchise-changer.