NFL Free Agent Signings: 49ers Would Be Foolish Not to Lock Up Peyton Manning

Out of nowhere, the San Francisco 49ers just may become the favorites to land free agent quarterback Peyton Manning.

And if they are, they better lock up the four-time MVP if they are serious about finding more success this coming season.

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter, reports are that the 49ers have actually given Manning a physical and worked him out this past week.

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Even before he worked out for the Denver Broncos on Friday, Peyton Manning threw passes for the San Francisco 49ers and underwent a physical exam earlier this week, according to league sources.

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Schefter took to his Twitter account as well, announcing that the sleeper team in the Manning sweepstakes is the 49ers.

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The latest on Peyton Manning and the sleeper team that is the San Francisco 49ers.es.pn/yYRE82

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2012

 

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Given that Manning has done more for the 49ers than any other club thus far, how can one call them a sleeper?

It sounds like they are the favorites, and they must do what they can to land No. 18.

The 49ers had a great year last season, and long time quarterback Alex Smith actually showed signs of life.

The thing is, he just isn't Manning.

That isn't really a shot to Smith, as that is just a fact of life.

This 49ers squad went 13-3 and made it to the NFC title game in just their first year in of Jim Harbaugh's system.

If they had a passer like Manning under center, who knows how far he could take them. 

It will be interesting to see what the addition of Randy Moss means for Manning, especially after his longtime receiver Reggie Wayne re-upped with the Indianapolis Colts at the start of this offseason.

The 49ers definitely have the options for Manning, including tight end Vernon Davis and receiver Michael Crabtree, who still has potential.

Most importantly, the team has a competent running back in Frank Gore, which would be huge in taking some of the weight off of Manning's shoulders.

Smith proved this past season that he could lead this team, but given his history, he is still a gamble.

There are risks to signing Manning, but if he is healthy and is good-to go, then the 49ers will have themselves a quarterback that could take them leagues above where they were just a months ago.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase