According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, a third team has emerged to compete with the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans: the San Francisco 49ers. Manning worked out for Harbaugh. On Tuesday night, Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman watched Manning throw, and the next day they sent a doctor to give a physical.

Well played, San Francisco. You might recall that when the Manning Tour began, word leaked out that San Francisco wanted no part of Manning and that Alex Smith was their man. Smith is a free agent as well. Either way, the 49ers kept their interest under wraps, and coming out now, from someone like Mortensen who is connected with Manning news, means it is very real, and even if it goes south, indicates leverage in the Smith free agency negotiations that have not concluded.

Of course, I thought Manning to San Francisco made sense before all this began. Apparently, Harbaugh and the 49ers have been lurking and realized the same thing, and once they saw him throw, they are going to be in the bidding. If I’m Manning, that’s where I go.

[US Presswire]