49ers jump into Peyton Manning derby

New developments in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes developed big time on Friday. For starters, the Miami Dolphins were informed by the Manning party that the quarterback will not be signing with them. Not really a surprise, considering the club traded receiver Brandon Marshall to Chicago, and Reggie Wayne opted to stay put in Indianapolis.

However, while Manning went to work out with the Denver Broncos, a workout that GM John Elway called productive and comfortable, word got around that a new team has entered the derby: The San Francisco 49ers. Manning gave the Niners a workout in North Carolina this week, and later told the Arizona Cardinals that they should consider moving forward without Manning.

This is an interesting development. The Niners just recently signed former Patriots receiver Randy Moss to a contract, and with the team still not sold on re-signing Alex Smith a new contract, bringing in Manning would be a no-brainer.

While the 49ers boasted a solid ground attack and a top five defense last season, they came up short in the playoffs because Smith proved to be inadequate at the quarterback position. Having Manning in San Fran could change all of that.  The 49ers also make a lot of sense for Manning. They have a newly established brand of success, having won their division going away last year, and making it all the way to the NFC title game. The solid core of talent, along with former Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh at head coach, makes San Francisco a very attractive option. 

Manning is still expected to workout with the Titans, who are the new favorites to land Manning, but the 49ers are in the mix, and, who knows, maybe they will sign the Super Bowl XLI MVP?