Why San Francisco 49ers Make Perfect Sense for Peyton Manning

The move may not ultimately happen, but the San Francisco 49ers make the most sense for Peyton Manning and Manning makes the most sense for the 49ers. 

There are a slew of reasons why it's the most logical choice for both sides, and many of them are extremely easy to understand.

Let's go off the premise that he'll be 100 percent when the 2012 season begins, which may be a little far fetched at this point with reports surfacing that his arm strength may be down close to 40 percent after his neck injury caused weakened triceps muscles. 

Then again, it's early February.

This high-profile move hinges on the health of Manning and all teams looking to possibly acquire the legendary quarterback will certainly put him through a variety of strength tests before they offer him a contract.

(The lack of strength in his arm may be the reason why this deal doesn't occur, actually.) 

The 49ers love what they got from Alex Smith in 2011. He learned the nuances of the game from blossoming quarterback guru Jim Harbaugh. Smith tossed 17 touchdowns with only five interceptions and was the epitome of a "game manager."

He's a free agent this offseason. Are the 49ers ready to extend him to a long-term deal? Was he that great in 2011? Can they win a Super Bowl with him at QB? Only time will tell.

Remember, the 49ers play a first-place schedule in 2012 that includes dates with the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. They also play the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots next season.

Imagine what Harbaugh could do with Peyton Manning. 

In fact, he wouldn't have to do much, if anything at all. 

However, two great quarterbacking minds working together could yield amazing results. I'd call Harbaugh and Manning a dream situation.

Yes, San Fran's head coach has a bit of an ego and we don't know how much free reign he'd give Manning in terms of play-calling, but I think at this stage of both of their careers, they'd be willing to compromise for the betterment of the team.  

Regardless of who's under center in 2012, San Francisco will focus on upgrading their wide receiver position, which was clearly the weak spot of the team this season. 

Manning would already have his Dallas Clark in a younger and significantly more athletic Vernon Davis. The running game is solid with Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter, another added bonus for Manning.

The best part about the entire scenario is the strength of the 49ers defense. 

It would be the best defense Manning has ever had on his side. 

Although it could be argued that he could still carry a team to the playoffs, he wouldn't necessarily need to. 

But with Manning, the 49ers, a team no longer building toward contention in three or four years, wouldn't be held back at the quarterback position. They're in "win now" mode. Being three points away from the Super Bowl makes that extremely apparent. 

It might just be wishful thinking for a match made in heaven that won't ever come to fruition, but playing on the defensively stout 49ers in the NFC amidst the menagerie of elite, gun-slinging quarterbacks would be the best-case scenario for San Francisco and Peyton Manning. 

Tell me a healthy Manning wouldn't make the 49ers one of the scariest teams in the NFL in 2012. 

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