Eight takeaways from Thursday's OTAs

As it turns out, Colin Kaepernick's new contract with the San Francisco 49ers is a lot more team-friendly than the original numbers suggested.

Over the next three years, Kaepernick is set to earn $44.17 million -- sixth among NFL quarterbacks.

NFL contracts are tricky because there are so many contingencies, clauses, bonuses and de-escalators. Since we have found that the easiest comparison tool is that three-year window, let's take a look at other quarterbacks in line for new contracts -- and what they might be expected to earn over three years.

Young franchise quarterbacks:Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson, Cam Newton

Under the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement, Luck and Wilson are not even eligible for new contracts until next offseason. I believe Luck has the highest ceiling of any young quarterback in the league. And I think most executives, coaches and scouts share that sentiment. Wilson might not be as physically gifted, but he does bring the heft of a Super Bowl ring to the table.

Those two quarterbacks are expected to flirt withAaron Rodgers' annual average of $24 million-$25 million once their extensions are inked. Their three-year window will likely settle into the $60 million range, near the highest-paid players in the league. Newton won't be far behind.

Second-tier veterans:Alex Smith, Andy Dalton

The Chiefs and Bengals are at a loggerheads in negotiations because there is no second-tier quarterback market. Smith and Dalton are simply not tasked to do as much as the high-end signal-callers. Coaches can't run an intricate pass-heavy attack if their quarterbacks have game-manager skill sets.

Kansas City is prepared to wield the franchise tag next offseason if Smith doesn't lower his asking price. Cincinnati appears to be in a similar quagmire with Dalton.

The guess here is that both players will come in below the $40 million mark for the first three years of their next contract. If they hold out for more, they might find that the Chiefs and Bengals are willing to let them test their value on the open market in the 2016 offseason.

Here are seven more takeaways from Thursday's OTAs:

2. The Seattle Seahawkscontinue to morph into the NFL's version of the unconventional, innovative San Antonio Spurs. Just as the Spurs rest their stars throughout the season to prepare for the playoffs, the Seahawks plan to lighten Marshawn Lynch's regular-season load in a committee attack. Brace yourself for an endless string of Christine Michaelhighlight clips this season.

3. Redskins tight end Jordan Reed, one of Around The League's top Making the Leap candidates, admitted that he hid a concussion previous to the one that ended his season and lingered into the offseason. Entering his second NFL season, Reed is already on concussion No. 4 going back to his college days.

4. Steve Smith told SI.com's Don Banks that he had decided to retire after the coming season prior to his release from the Panthers. Now that he's rejuvenated in Baltimore, Smith plans to play out his three-year contract with the Ravens. If it boosts his Hall of Fame chances, I'm on board.

5. Tom Brady recently joked about building a couple of hotels on Revis Island during spring and summer practices. Instead, the Patriots quarterbacks have already learned not to throw in Darrelle Revis' direction.

6. Can we get a finder's fee for Kevin Williams if he signs in New England?

7. Pierre Garcon told "NFL AM" on Thursday that he and DeSean Jacksonplan to unseatBrandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery as the NFL's top wide-receiver duo. NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks is on board with that prediction.

8. Three cheers for the judge who dismissed the "immaterial, impertinent and scandalous" lawsuit recently filed againstJohnny Manziel. Why are we surprised when common sense carries the day?

The latest "Around The League Podcast" breaks down Colin Kaepernick's new contract and debates which players are poised for a breakout.