Peyton Manning Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Reportedly Join Race to Sign Star QB

Seemingly out of nowhere, the San Francisco 49ers have emerged as a possible landing spot for legendary quarterback Peyton Manning.

Update: Friday, March 16th, 4:43 p.m. ET

We have the latest from Peyton Manning watch 2012. John Elway gives us a little Manning scouting report that is useful seeing as how all of a handful of people have seen him throw.

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We enjoyed visiting with Peyton today in N.C. He threw the ball great and looked very comfortable out there.

— John Elway (@johnelway) March 16, 2012"

Update: Friday, March 16th, 3:41 p.m. ET

The Broncos reported cited later in this report has been updated by the Denver Post's Mike Klis.

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My previously reported contract parameters for P. Manning were too low. Broncos, Titans, 49ers working off his old five-year, $90 mil deal

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 16, 2012"

ESPN's Chris Mortensen dropped the news via Twitter that the 49ers were in play for the best free agent on the open market:

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Filed to ESPN: Third team in Manning race that has emerged is 49ers — Manning worked out for Harbaugh & took physical this week #NFL32

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 16, 2012"

Mortensen then continues with some more on San Francisco and its secret adoration for Manning:

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So, barring a surprise, once Manning throws for Titans, it looks like Broncos, Titans & 49ers as finalists. He's NOT visited 49ers facility

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 16, 2012"

Another Mortensen tweet delivers news that shows the Niners are serious contenders to sign Manning:

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Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman watched Manning throw at Duke on Tues night; impressive enough to send doctor next day to give physical exam

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 16, 2012"

If you are wondering what it will take to sign Manning, consider a Denver Post report filed by Mike Klis that states the Broncos have made an offer for Manning:

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An NFL source said Manning and his camp have narrowed their choices to the Broncos and Tennessee Titans. The parameters of the deal, according to the source, that both teams are working off: $60 million total, give or take, and a $30 million guarantee, give or take, spread over five years.

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We now have a third team in the mix, and it's none other than the 49ers, a team that has the closest claim to a Super Bowl title.

The Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans may be intriguing destinations that have shored up their deficiencies, but the Niners are the only place to go if you want the best chance to win now.

San Francisco brought back the same defense it had last season and will be just as tough on that side of the ball.

While Alex Smith finally delivered a solid season, a healthy Peyton Manning makes this team the favorites to win it all as soon as he suits up.

Consider that the Niners, without a consistent star receiver and elite quarterback, nearly pulled off a trip to the big game last year.

Manning is a player that makes every last offensive weapon better. There is no question that Manning on the 49ers would change the landscape of the NFC.

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