Peyton Manning Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Enter Chase for the Quarterback

After almost 10 days of following the chase for Peyton Manning, we have a new team emerging from the ether, and apparently they have a legitimate shot at landing the four-time MVP. 

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that the San Francisco 49ers have thrown their hat into the ring and that the quarterback apparently worked out for head coach Jim Harbaugh this week. That would explain why the Niners have been slow to lock up current free agent quarterback Alex Smith with a deal. 

While the 49ers could use an upgrade over Smith at quarterback, I'm not sure Manning is a great fit for the team. San Francisco had a great year in 2011, and that was based largely on playing solid defense and running the ball on offense. Bringing in Manning could mess with the team's very structured system. 

The 11-time Pro Bowl quarterback is likely to want a lot of control over the offense on whichever team he picks. I'm not sure Harbaugh would want to deviate much from what has brought his teams success during his career. In addition to that, the 49ers don't possess a true No. 1 receiver, though tight end Vernon Davis has the talent to be a top target and Michael Crabtree has the ability to be a solid wideout, but doesn't appear to be a superstar.

San Francisco added Randy Moss already this offseason, but missed out on guys like Vincent Jackson and Robert Meachem, while potential targets like Marques Colston and Stevie Johnson re-signed with their current teams. 

The 49ers appear to be legitimately in the chase for Manning, but based on what the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans are offering and the way their rosters are structured, I think they have the inside track to land him.