Peyton Manning’s Involvement With 49ers Adds Dynamic Twist to High-Profile Courtship
The San Francisco 49ers, of all teams, finally entered the chase. They watched Manning work out Tuesday at Duke and even conducted a full physical, according to ESPN. So, in the ever-evolving chase for the future Hall of Famer, the revolving door of leading candidates has continued to spin by the day, if not the minute.
Earlier Friday, the Broncos offered Manning a five-year deal worth up to $60 million, including $30 million guaranteed, according to the Denver Post. And ESPN reported Manning will offer an injury-protection clause in whichever contract he signs, which is a sign of good faith that should drive up the total dollars on his initial contract.
Various reports have also indicated the Titans are still one of three finalists, while the Dolphins and Cardinals have been advised to move in another direction.
But again, as momentum began to really swing in the Broncos' favor Friday. Denver executive John Elway and head coach John Fox were part of a contingent that traveled to North Carolina to meet with Manning, and with the knowledge of the workouts and the contract details, it appeared as though Manning's courtship could be nearing a resolution.
Naturally, with the way this case has unfolded, another wrinkle has impeded its progress, but it makes all of the sense in the world for the 49ers to get in on Manning.
San Francisco almost certainly can't go dollar for dollar with the Broncos and Titans, but that's because the Niners have so much money invested in one of the best defenses in the NFL. And therein lies their recruiting tool — the 49ers are far and away more equipped to win a Super Bowl than Manning's two hottest pursuers. In fact, if Manning signed with the 49ers, they'd be on the short list of Super Bowl favorites in 2012, if not the outright team to beat.
That's why it has made sense for the Niners to court Manning, though the financial situation wasn't ideal for San Francisco. As the process has moved forward, the question about the Niners' potential involvement was always looming. Now that they've gotten in, Manning's truest motivator will be revealed — money, winning or a comfortable environment.
It's been an entertaining storyline to this point, and Friday's developments shed a brand new light on Manning's courtship from a few different perspectives. And thus, the end might not be in sight after all.
Have a question for Jeff Howe? Send it to him via Twitter at @jeffphowe or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
