Peyton Manning Sweepstakes Gain New Entry – 49ers ? [Video]
The race to sign four-time MVP Peyton Manning just got a little hotter as another team has jumped into the mix for the free agent quarterback’s services, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.
On Friday ESPN reported that San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman flew to Durham, N.C., earlier in the week to see Manning work out. They were impressed, so a team doctor was dispatched to Durham on Wednesday to administer a physical to Manning, who has undergone four neck procedures, including spinal-fusion surgery, in the past 19 months.
Manning, who will turn 36 next week, apparently checked out fine physically.
Manning also threw the ball at Duke’s athletic fields Friday afternoon for the Broncos. He was seen leaving the Blue Devils’ indoor practice facility wearing blue shorts, a gray T-shirt and no helmet heading to the outdoor practice field followed by Denver executive John and Coach John Fox.
“We enjoyed visiting with Peyton today in N.C.,” Elway tweeted later. “He threw the ball great and looked very comfortable out there.”
The LA Times reports that Manning phoned the Dolphins on Thursday to advise them he’ll sign elsewhere. The team has now turned its attention to free agent quarterback Matt Flynn. The Cardinals also seemed to be out of the running on Friday, opting to pay quarterback Kevin Kolb a $7-million roster bonus he is due on Saturday.
“Acquiring Peyton Manning is no longer an option for us,” Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
The 49ers, Broncos and Titans are thought to be the finalists to secure the services of the 11-time Pro Bowl selection considered among the greatest quarterbacks in league history. Manning has told teams he plans on making a decision Monday or Tuesday, the NFL Network reported.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter talks more about the 49ers joining the race for Peyton Manning below:
Do you think Peyton Manning and the 49ers would make a good fit or is he destined to return to the state of his Alma mater?
via ESPN
