He *was* an employee of the 49ers, until HE decided not to be by opting out of his contract:
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/3/1/14599712/colin-kaepernick-contract-opt-out-49ers-free-agent
Where's the "retaliation"? He opted out with the understanding that he *may* get a better contract, or *may* not.
Turns out, he couldn't get a better (any) contract.
If one of my employees quits, there's no duty of any of my competitors to hire him.
o'l-d