Most involved with the San Francisco 49ers believed the team was not pursuing Peyton Manning to become their next quarterback, but multiple reports in the last day have indicated the 49ers are very interested in signing Manning.
Not only did they have him come to town for a workout, but a recent story says Jim Harbaugh -- who was quarterback of the Colts before No. 18 came to town -- even threw the ball around with Manning this past week. And according to Steve Young, the 49ers have everything in place to land the future Hall of Famer.
Here is the latest from Pro Football Talk:
... Apparently Harbaugh liked Manning's arm better than his own, because the 49ers emerged from that workout very interested in signing Manning. And Young said on SportsCenter that he believes the 49ers have handled everything exactly the right way, starting with G.M. Trent Baalke quietly laying the groundwork, and are now the favorites to secure Manning's services.
"Trent Baalke laid low, he did the research, Jim Harbaugh threw with Peyton Manning," Young said. "They didn't get in the front pages. They know that they are the best answer for Peyton Manning. They know they have the best defense in the league to offer. They know they have the offensive weapons. They know they have Jim Harbaugh. They know all the pieces in place for Peyton Manning. It is the best opportunity for Peyton Manning. They knew it, and they waited for the wannabes to exhaust themselves, and then they came in right at the end, and that's why I think they'll probably land him at this point."
Young is known to be a bit of a 49ers homer (hey, can you blame him?) and I don't quite believe that San Francisco has locked down Peyton Manning, but he makes a good point; it really is the best situation for the soon-to-be 36-year-old quarterback.
As for a potential timetable for any decision, reports came out Friday evening that Manning would like to decide by Monday or Tuesday. That would be the idea situation for all parties involved, but it will likely take some delicate work to structure Manning's new contract.
"I know Peyton Manning is looking for a team to join now and win a division now and go to the Super Bowl now," Young said. "That's the San Francisco 49ers."
For more on the team and their pursuit of No. 18, check out Niners Nation.