San Francisco 49ers

The settlement is confidential, but Colin Kaepernick sure looks happy the day after striking a deal with the NFL.

Colin posed with his legal team -- led by Mark Geragos and Ben Meiselas -- early Saturday morning with a big ol' smile on his face.

There are reports the settlement could be close to $100 million, but so far nobody is saying anything.

As we previously reported ... Colin agreed to end his suit against the NFL, in which he accused team owners and league officials of colluding to keep him off of an NFL roster because of his kneeling demonstration.

Colin filed the suit back in 2017 and deposed some of the most famous and important people in the NFL -- including Jerry Jones and Roger Goodell -- but now that CK has agreed to drop it, the public will likely never know what they said in those depos.

Kap has come under fire from critics like ex-NFL star Larry Johnson who says he is a "sellout" -- because they believed his case against the NFL was more about exposing racism than reaching a fat settlement.

Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid say their legal war with the NFL is over -- after striking a confidential settlement with the league.

Kaepernick and Reid had filed a lawsuit against the NFL claiming owners and league officials colluded to keep them off NFL rosters because they chose to take a knee during the national anthem at NFL games.

The league had adamantly denied blackballing Kaepernick ... even after President Donald Trump publicly urged owners to fire any "son of a bitch" who didn't stand for the anthem.

Kap's attorneys, Mark Geragos and Ben Meiselas, issued a statement saying, "For the past several months, counsel for Mr. Kaepernick and Mr. Reid have engaged in an ongoing dialogue with representatives of the NFL."

"As a result of those discussions, the parties have decided to resolve the pending grievances. The resolution of this matter is subject to a confidentiality agreement so there will be no further comment by any party."

Reid was picked up by the Carolina Panthers during the 2018 season and on Monday, the safety signed a $22 million 3-year extension. Kaepernick is still a free agent.

We shot Kaepernick arriving in L.A. over the weekend -- but he remained silent when it came to his case against the NFL.

Kaepernick initially filed his lawsuit in October 2017 -- and, as part of the case, a bunch of NFL honchos were deposed ... including Jerry Jones, Bob McNair, John Elway, Robert Kraft, Pete Carroll and more.

Kaepernick first began taking a knee during the 2016 NFL season, while he was still a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

The QB opted out of his contract with the 49ers in March 2017 -- and has not been picked up by another NFL team since then.

When asked about Kaepernick during the State of the NFL speech during Super Bowl week, NFL Commish Roger Goodell insisted that Kap's unemployment was a direct result of his football ability ... and not outside politics.

Kap supporters have strongly disagreed -- pointing out a slew of QBs with inferior experience and stats who got try-outs and contracts with NFL teams over the past 2 years.

Story developing ...

The Patriots could replace Tom Brady with Colin Kaepernick ... so says NFL legend Cris Carter, who says he KNOWS Robert Kraft's team is "very, very fond" of the QB.

Tom's fresh off his sixth Super Bowl ring ... but he's 41 years old -- and there's no clear successor to him on the roster if Father Time somehow abruptly wins their yearly battle.

Enter Carter ... an NFL Hall of Famer and overall plugged in guy who says TB12's eventual replacement ain't in this year's draft -- it might be in free agency ... in the form of Kaepernick.

"I know that the Krafts are very, very fond of Colin Kaepernick," Carter said on FS1's "First Things First" ... "I'm just saying outside the box, if someone will do it, it will be the people in New England."

Kraft has been close with Trump for years -- but he's also been critical of the President. In fact, Kraft told NFL owners and players Trump's language referring to NFL kneelers was "divisive" and "horrible."

Tom Brady has also been critical of Trump. In fact, he also publicly labeled Trump's comments regarding Kap as "divisive."

Carter says the Pats aren't known for drafting very well ... and says, "I believe you should start looking at other situations besides the draft for how they're going to look to get Tom Brady's replacement."

Of course, Kap's been out of the league since the 2016 season ... claiming the NFL has blackballed him because of his anthem kneeling protests.

But ... people close to the QB say he can still play -- with even his ex-49ers coach, Chip Kelly, telling TMZ Sports, "He's ready to go."

Here's video of Colin Kaepernick arriving in Los Angeles while the rest of the non-NFL football world shows out for jobs by playing in the AAF ... something Kap clearly has no plans of doing.

Kap wasn't saying much when we got him at LAX ... dodging questions about politics, the Super Bowl, and even what he was listening to on his AirPods.

Though Kaepernick was quiet ... his inaction is loud ... because while former NFL players like Trent Richardson, Christian Hackenberg and Zac Stacy got busy in the new upstart league, Kap didn't.

Colin has shown ZERO interest in furthering his football career anywhere other than the NFL, seemingly because he believes he's proven he's got what it takes for the league, and his absence is about politics, not performance.

Roger Goodell's explanation of why Colin Kaepernick's NOT in the NFL is trash ... 'cause he's better than EVERY NFL backup QB and some starters, so says Reggie Bush, Kap's former 49ers teammate.

Translation: Colin's wayyyyy good enough to help an organization win. So, not being signed ... it ain't about talent, or W's and L's.

TMZ Sports saw Bush -- who knows good QB play (he spent 5 seasons with Drew Brees) and winning (he's got a Super Bowl ring) at Shaq's Fun House bash in Atlanta -- and asked him if Goodell was right about Kaep.

Remember, earlier this week Goodell was asked about Kaepernick not being in the league ... and the commish pointed his finger at teams, saying they'd sign Colin if they thought he could help them win ball games.

Nonsense according to Bush -- who was with Colin in San Francisco in 2015.

"It's not true. It's just completely not true," ... Reggie told us.

"There are 32 backup quarterbacks. Kaepernick is better than all 32 backup quarterbacks, and he's better than some starting quarterbacks. I can name a few, but I won't do it for their sake."

Jerry Rice is flexin' HARD in Atlanta -- rocking all 3 of his Super Bowl rings ... plus his Hall of Fame ring!!!

The 56-year-old NFL legend flossed his hardware on the plane to ATL -- just another classic Rice humblebrag.

Of course, Rice and the 49ers won Super Bowl 23, 24 and 29 ... with Jerry being named MVP of 23 with some insane receiving stats -- 11 catches for 215 yards and a TD.

Super Bowl week is funny when it comes to former NFL stars -- who often bust out their accolades to show off to other players and fans.

Jerry has been on a self-PR push lately -- remember, over the summer he went onstage with Charles Barkley at a charity event in Lake Tahoe and told the crowd, "I'm the f*cking best football player of all time."

He might be right.

Rice was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and is widely regarded as the best WR ever.

Call him Grow Montana ... because the NFL Hall of Famer is investing HEAVILY in the weed business.

62-year-old Joe Montana is one of the major investors of a company called Caliva -- a major legal marijuana operation out of San Jose, CA.

The company not only grows weed -- it also sells everything from joints to vape pens and even marijuana beverages.

Montana started a venture fund back in 2015 -- and when Caliva was seeking investors for a $75 million round of funding, Montana's company joined in.

Caliva CEO Dennis O'Malley issued a statement saying the company plans on opening retail stores in major cities in 2019.

He added, "What we’re trying to do is be the #1 brand in California ... We believe this is where global brands are made."

Richard Sherman tells TMZ Sports if Antonio Brown is REALLY wanting to join the Niners ... he doesn't think it'd be a mistake, saying his time in S.F. has been great so far.

A.B.'s on his way out of Pittsburgh after causing tons of drama this past season ... and Jerry Rice says the All-Pro wideout wants to play next for the 49ers, "really bad."

So, when we saw Sherm hitting up Catch in L.A. on Thursday night, we had to ask if he'd welcome the WR with open arms.

"Good luck to him," the defensive back told us -- and when asked if he had advice to Brown added, "Go wherever makes you happy."

Of course, Sherman signed with the 49ers last March after a legendary career with the Seattle Seahawks -- and, despite the 4-12 record, Sherman says he's enjoying his experience in San Fran.

Besides being a superstar on the field, Sherman is also advocating for lifetime health insurance coverage for NFL players ... so, we asked how that fight is going too.

Jerry Rice says he had a long talk with Antonio Brown about his NFL future -- and the guy REALLY wants to play for the San Francisco 49ers.

"He wants to come here really bad," Rice said on the "Joe, Lo & Dibs" show on 95.7 The Game.

"He's talking about running the hills with me, doing all that and just working out ... you know, just picking my brain."

Of course, A.B. is on his way outta Steel City after his recent antics led Steelers owner Art Rooney to say last week it's "hard to envision" the WR coming back in 2019.

But, Rice says the Niners NEED to step in and trade for the wideout -- guaranteeing Brown will behave -- and flourish -- if he's given the opportunity in S.F.

"I would be looking forward to just passing some of that knowledge on to him, and being around this guy, because I know he's a great individual."

"If it was left up to me, he would be here in a heartbeat."

Seems Jerry's got a pretty strong finger on A.B.'s pulse -- the two talk often ... and Brown even has a painting of Rice up in his home gym.

And, per Jerry, Antonio's a stand-up guy that would only make the Niners better.

"I don't know what happened in Pittsburgh. But, I know that if this guy comes here to San Francisco, he's going to do everything possible to help this team to win."

Tarik Cohen doesn't give a damn if he cost you money in your fantasy football league Sunday ... 'cause the Bears RB says everyone hating on him needs to SHUT THE HELL UP!!!

"Hey, Fantasy owners. Ya'll get the f*ck from under my comments. Talking about my weak performance. We got the dub. Bear down."

Cohen's been a nice surprise on the fantasy scene this year ... posting double-digit points in 9 out of 16 weeks -- which ain't bad for a guy most thought would be the Bears' backup RB.

But, the Chicago superstar laid a serious egg when fantasy players needed him most ... 'cause in championship week Sunday -- he totaled just 19 yards.

Doesn't seem Cohen cares at all ... Bears got the win over the 49ers and now have a shot at the No. 2 seed ... and Tarik hit the dance floor like a mad man afterward to celebrate!!!

Colin Kaepernick will return to an NFL field tonight ... because his friend and brother in protest, Eric Reid, is honoring Kaep by wearing cleats with the embattled QB's picture on 'em.

The Panthers take on the Saints on "Monday Night Football" and Carolina's DB gave fans a look at the "My Cause, My Cleats" spikes he'll wear, featuring a kneeling Kaep and members of the Black Panthers.

The image of Kaepernick is from a famous photo where Kaep and then-49ers teammate, Reid took a knee together during the 2016 season.

Reid included a caption on the image, explaining where his heart is, and why he felt the need to honor the guys involved.

"It’s a tribute to the history of protest, centered around the quote 'if not us, who? If not now, when?' meaning we all benefit and stand on the shoulders of those giants who decided their moment was best used for the sake of the people."

"And it’s always the right time to do what’s right. No different from you using your moment to take a knee. It also has the 10 point platform of Colin’s Know Your Rights Camp.”

Kaepernick himself has already weighed in on the footwear, saying, "My brother @E_Reid35 coming with the heat tonight!"

Kaep's been out of the league since 2016, and Reid's been one of his fiercest supporters, joining Colin not only in his kneeling protest, but in his collusion lawsuit against the league.

It's clear that support isn't gonna stop, and on one of the biggest platforms in sports he's making a statement.

Kiara Mia says there's no way in hell her date with Jimmy Garoppolo cursed the Niners QB ... but the porn star doesn't exactly mind the take, saying, "I'm flattered!"

Of course, Jimmy's season came to a catastrophic end just a few weeks after his famous night out with Kiara ... and some fans pegged her as the bad juju that caused his ACL tear.

But, Kiara says, for as much as she's honored that people think she has that kinda power -- she tells TMZ Sports it's just not possible.

"I'm impressed that people look at me as a God," Kiara says.

"Like, only God has the power to, like, control someone's journey in life. So, I'm flattered people think I have that much power in my life to control somebody's life!"

Kiara tells us she really hasn't been keeping up with Jimmy or his team -- we had to break the news to her that the Niners really suck -- but she says she's already moving on to a new squad.

"I'm Mexican and I'm from L.A., so I have to say the Raiders!"

Sooo ... Derek Carr, WYD???

George Kittle dabbed like a madman and danced his face off in the locker room Sunday ... and it's all 'cause the 49ers tight end went for 210 yards on the Broncos!!!

Kittle's been eating defenses alive this season ... already posting 1,103 yards on the year -- but he REALLY cooked Denver's D at Mile High.

Dude caught 7 balls for 210 yards and one touchdown in a win ... and teammate Marquise Goodwin got his postgame celebration on vid afterward -- and we're all grateful for it.

Kittle showed us his shoulder rolls ... then dabbed like an insane person -- and there was even a cameo from John Lynch!!

Yeah, pretty epic.

The bad news for George ... the Niners are just 3-10 even after the W and are still probably the worst team in the NFL.

The good news for Kittle ... have you seen his girlfriend?!

Nike has put their money behind Colin Kaepernick -- and now the man who founded the company tells TMZ Sports, he believes the QB should still be playing in the NFL.

We saw shoe legend, Phil Knight leaving Michael's restaurant in New York the other day and while he threw his support behind Colin -- he stopped short when we asked if he believed CK is being blackballed by the NFL.

"I don't know," Knight told us ... "I don't know."

80-year-old Knight still serves as Chairman Emeritus for the Swoosh -- the company that recently inked Kaepernick as the face of its "Just Do It" 30th Anniversary Campaign.

After the first Kaepernick ad dropped back in September, the brand reportedly saw a 31% boost in online sales ... so, ya gotta think Phil would be pumped about bringing Kaep back into the fold.

One more thing ... what kind of shoes does the $30 BILLION Nike founder rock out in public?

Phil says they're special "PK 80s" -- a special line of shoes created to honor Phil's 80th birthday. We're having a tough time finding the exact model and value of the shoes ... but we're working on it.

Richard Sherman is taking his role in the Fan Controlled Football League VERY seriously ... telling TMZ Sports he's GUARANTEEING win after win against his good friend, Marshawn Lynch.

Sherman and Lynch just signed on to be owners and captains in the FCFL ... a football league where the fans decide everything from the roster, the team name, logo and even the play-calling.

Although the 49ers star says he won't be suiting up for the FCFL after his playing days, he makes it clear he is out for blood when his team goes against Beast Mode's squad.

"It's gonna be really fun. Obviously, we're gonna have to beat his team over and over and over again," Sherman says. "I hope he doesn't get too upset at that."

There's a silver lining for Lynch, though ...

Reuben Foster and his ex-girlfriend had the cops called on them for a loud argument about a month before he was arrested for allegedly attacking her ... and police have released the footage.

The domestic dispute between Foster and Elissa Ennis occurred October 12 in Santa Clara, CA at an apartment complex. The NFL linebacker answered the door when cops showed up and told them the 2 were arguing ... and eventually Ennis came out to talk to them, too.

At one point, Foster's placed in handcuffs while they attempt to talk to Ennis.

She eventually told an officer, "Everything is not okay," and that she found things that upset her on Foster's phone. She also said she was on depression medication but didn't take her pills that day. She didn't answer whether the 2 were hitting each other.

Ultimately, neither Foster or Ennis were cited or arrested for the incident.

As you know, though ... Foster was arrested for domestic violence in Tampa last month after allegedly pushing Ennis in the chest and slapping her. He was cut by the 49ers the next day, but claimed by the Redskins just days later.

Ennis appeared on "Good Morning America" Thursday to tell her story, and claimed the Niners tried to discredit her.