The odd situation in San Francisco just keeps getting weirder: after the 49ers suddenly became involved with free agent Peyton Manning, the team has now reportedly offered current quarterback Alex Smith a three-year deal worth $24 million dollars. Smith figured to be the quarterback for the 49ers for at least the 2012 season, especially after the team came up just short of a Super Bowl appearance with him at the helm.
The 49ers offered Smith a three-year $24 million deal according to a source.
— Kevin Lynch (@klynch49) March 17, 2012
So here are the questions: are the 49ers thinking they are out of the Manning sweepstakes, or are they simply covering all their bases in case they miss out on Peyton? Is this a smokescreen to prevent other teams from seeing their plans? If they sign Smith and then get a shot at Manning, what do they do with Smith and his $24 million dollar deal?
It really isn't clear at this point.
Fortunately for fans, their days of having to stalk Twitter should come to an end in the near future. Reports surfaced from league sources that Manning will make a decision by Monday or Tuesday, although it was not confirmed. At this point, it's probably best just to sit back and watch everything unfold.
Or go back to stalking Twitter. That's always fun, too.
For more on SF and their pursuit of a quarterback, head on over to Niners Nation.