In a surprising change of the events, the San Francisco 49ers have decided to get in on the race for Peyton Manning late in the game, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, joining the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans as the final three remaining potential destinations for the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
This news comes after both the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals were informed that they should proceed as if Manning won’t be signing with the two teams. The Fins got the axe officially yesterday, with the Cards getting word earlier today. The landscape of Peyton Watch has shifted drastically, as it seemed yesterday that the Broncos and Titans were heavy favorites. The 49ers would seem to be the preseason Super Bowl favorites should they sign him.
It was originally reported that Broncos’ team personnel watched Manning throw at Duke University on Tuesday evening. Apparently, 49ers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh and others from the organization were also present at the session and thought highly enough to send the team doctor to Duke on Wednesday for an evaluation.
San Francisco was thought to be working on an extension for quarterback Alex Smith, who had a breakout season last year, playing his best football since being drafted first overall in 2005 and later being labeled a bust. Smith led the 49ers to a 13-3 record, but the organization obviously believes that Manning would give them the best shot at a Lombardi Trophy in the coming season. Analysts around the league were questioning why an extension for Smith was taking so long, but there’s now a more clear reason.
Sports Illustrated writer Jim Trotter said in an article this past week that “the owner of one 2011 playoff team told SI that while his club was not pursuing Manning, it would seriously consider signing him (pending a positive medical report) if he phoned and said he wanted to play for them.” It seems now that it’s very possible that the “2011 playoff team” in question was the 49ers, and that Manning did in fact make a call.
The Broncos have reportedly offered Peyton $90 million over five seasons to come to Denver. An NFL source told the Denver Post that all three teams left in the race are comfortable with paying that much, but as of right now the 49ers haven’t gone that high. The question is, is Manning willing to take less money to play for the team that gives him the best shot at putting a second ring on his finger? Stay tuned as Peyton Watch continues to develop.
