Why aren't the San Francisco 49ers the front runner for Peyton? (1 Viewer)

[shader]

Alex Smith? Colin Kaepernick? Seriously?

The 49ers have one of the best young coaches in the game.

The 49ers have a premier defense that almost took them to the super bowl despite a lousy QB.

They have a sensational tight end.

From what I can see, they have over 20 million in cap space.

The NFC West is notoriously awful.

They could grab Pierre Garcon, a few rookies, and be up and running immediately. The 49ers would instantly be super bowl favorites. I just don't see him winning big in Miami, Denver, Washington or any of the other "front runners". But put him in San Fran? They instantly are one of the top two or three teams in the NFC.

If I was Peyton this would be my first and only stop. I'd sign a deal and go win a couple championships. The only thing that is going to enhance his legacy is winning super bowls. Throwing for 4,000 yards isn't going to do anything for him, as he's done that enough.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Just posted in the Manning poll thread:

I'm thinking the 9ers. I think the AZ interest is a bargaining smoke screen against SF. He DOESN'T want to face the 9er D twice a year. I think the same could be said for the Redskins/Giants (+ little Manning). Bay area is cool and damp, but not freezing like the northeast. Also not so sure he'd like to have to beat the Pats for the divison if he went to Miami. If this is about winning a ring, and making competitive money, SF looks like the best destination.

 

[RUSF18]

Niner fan here...it might be optimal for Peyton but for some reason, the organization doesn't seem like they have any interest. They're comfortable giving Smith a decent amount of money, hope to grow the offense a bit around him through additions, and bank on the defense staying together.

 

[Shane Falco]

SF's GM came out yesterday and said that they weren't interested. Reported on NFL on Sirius.

 

[Yenrub]

I agree that San Fran would be the best place but I wonder how well Peyton and Harbaugh would get along

 

[Shane Falco]

49ers not interested in Manning

Despite the urging of the former star wide receiver Jerry Rice, the San Francisco 49ers will not attempt to sign quarterback Peyton Manning, according to NFL.com.

The 49ers, instead, are intent on re-signing Alex Smith. A contract for Smith has already been placed on the table by San Francisco, sources have told NFL.com. Smith has the same agent as Manning, Tom Condon.

Rice had told the Marin Independent Journal that if Manning were available, the 49ers should attempt to sign him.

“I think you go for it,” Rice told the Paper. “A guy of that talent, you’ve got everything in place. You’ve got a defense that smacks you in the mouth. You just need a little more out of the offense. That’s not knocking what Alex (Smith) did. (Manning) can take you to a whole different level.”

Smith was selected by the 49ers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, but until the 2011 season he had generally been considered a disappointment. Last year, under the tutelage of new 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, Smith had the best year of his career. In 16 games he completed 61.3 percent of his passes, threw for 3,144 yards, and collected 17 passing touchdowns.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I agree that San Fran would be the best place but I wonder how well Peyton and Harbaugh would get along

Manning stole Harbaugh's starting gig in Indy.

 

[shader]

Alex smith stinks. HOw many years are the 49ers going to waste on this guy?

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Alex smith stinks. HOw many years are the 49ers going to waste on this guy?

Last year may not have been great but it was a long ways from stinking up the joint.

 

[MAC_32]

Two very head strong opinions may not gel?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I agree that San Fran would be the best place but I wonder how well Peyton and Harbaugh would get along

Manning stole Harbaugh's starting gig in Indy.

Combine that with Harbough wanting credit for improving Smith (something he won't ever get with Manning) & you have a case of ego winning out.

 

[5Rings]

“I think you go for it,” Rice told the Paper. “A guy of that talent, you’ve got everything in place. You’ve got a defense that smacks you in the mouth. You just need a little more out of the offense. That’s not knocking what Alex (Smith) did. (Manning) can take you to a whole different level.”

I agree with Jerry.Let Alex balk at the $10M/year he's been offered. Hey, that (pr-wise) allows the FO to explore Manning--and who says they haven't? Sirius says 5 anonymous teams are in the hunt too. Anyway, it makes too much damn sense to happen. I'm afraid Harbaugh truly has a thing for Alex. I hope not. He's not bad, but he's not Manning. Alex won't elevate the team like Peyton would.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Let Alex balk at the $10M/year he's been offered. Hey, that (pr-wise) allows the FO to explore Manning--and who says they haven't? Sirius says 5 anonymous teams are in the hunt too.

This is the big thing. With 5 anonymous teams, it wouldn't be surprising if SF at least kicked the tires. SF has made Alex a 3 year offer but he's reportedly demanding a longer contract and more guaranteed money.Publicly, SF has been rather vocal about not wanting Peyton. But things regularly happen behind the scenes in the NFL.

 

[cstu]

I agree that San Fran would be the best place but I wonder how well Peyton and Harbaugh would get along

Manning stole Harbaugh's starting gig in Indy.

I think it would be like Peyton as a coach someday signing an aging Luck - ain't gonna happen.

 

[shader]

Alex smith stinks. HOw many years are the 49ers going to waste on this guy?

Last year may not have been great but it was a long ways from stinking up the joint.

He's a solid backup QB. He went as far as he possibly could, but as soon as he ran up against a solid playoff defense he folded like a cheap suit. He's had SEVEN seasons as the 49ers QB. I think it's fair to say that he's had his opportunity.

 

[shader]

I didn't think of the Harbaugh/Manning connection. Not sure if Harbaugh could or would give up control to Peyton...

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Alex smith stinks. HOw many years are the 49ers going to waste on this guy?

Last year may not have been great but it was a long ways from stinking up the joint.

He's a solid backup QB. He went as far as he possibly could, but as soon as he ran up against a solid playoff defense he folded like a cheap suit. He's had SEVEN seasons as the 49ers QB. I think it's fair to say that he's had his opportunity.

I'm not going to pretend Peyton wouldn't be a huge upgrade. I'll be ecstatic if/when Manning joins Sf. But Smith had a qb rating of 97 vs. the Giants. That's better than what Brady did. If Ginn were healthy, Kyle Williams didn't fumble twice, or the Giants' fumble were called correctly they may very well have made the SB.

SF stuck with him for 7 seasons and he finally had his best season. 9th best qb rating this season. Again, Peyton would be a massive upgrade. But Smith did better than many people seem to realize. Even if he's nothing more than a game manager, he's a game manager who can play great at times and who won't turn the ball over. For a team built on a defense not turning the ball over is huge. They shouldn't be in such a hurry to dump him.

If Peyton came aboard I hope they'd fit Wayne onto the team as well. Jerry Rice also basically said (in many words) Crabtree has been a bust thus far, and a guy who can't get separation.

 

[jurb26]

Perhaps it's the obvious answer, they aren't sold he is as healthy or capable as everyone else is assuming he is.

 

[Da Guru]

Why? Harbaughs ego would not allow Manning to come in and control the offense.

 

[Jason Wood]

Perhaps it's the obvious answer, they aren't sold he is as healthy or capable as everyone else is assuming he is.

I think it's that, and also the fact that Harbaugh saw this team contend for a championship in his first year, against most people's expectations. I'm sure he believes that a few tweaks and another year of his system will make the 49ers a true contender. While a lot of fans may not see it that way, I'm sure Harbaugh and the executive management do, and that would be more than enough reason to avoid adding Peyton Manning to the equation.

 

[Sinrman]

With Harbaugh there, they are going to try to re-sign Alex Smith. He's stubborn like that. He went out on a limb when he was first hired, and stuck with Smith, and it

paid off somewhat. He has said repeatedly that he wants Alex Smith back next season and beyond, and I don't see the 49er brass upsetting their new coach by going

after Peyton. A pity, because imagine that defense coupled with an offense displaying Peyton, Gore, Crabtree, and... Reggie Wayne? I personally think Wayne is attached

to Peyton and will go where Peyton goes. That would be a sick, sick team if Peyton checks out ok, health-wise.

 

[TwinTurbo]

49ers not interested in Manning

Despite the urging of the former star wide receiver Jerry Rice, the San Francisco 49ers will not attempt to sign quarterback Peyton Manning, according to NFL.com.

The 49ers, instead, are intent on re-signing Alex Smith. A contract for Smith has already been placed on the table by San Francisco, sources have told NFL.com. Smith has the same agent as Manning, Tom Condon.

I think that's the main reason the 49ers are not going to sign him. Condon probably made it clear that Alex Smith is the only one of his clients they can sign. If he offered up Manning to the 49ers, Smith would be screwed. I doubt many other teams would want him.

 

[Dawg Pound 69]

Harbaugh is pretty high on Kaepernick, he'll probably take over for Smith sometime during 2012. Peyton is such a rep hog in practice that it would hinder the development of Kaepernick.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

I think we'll see Alex re-signing quickly with SF. Or else he could go from NFC championship QB to a stopgap for a rebuilding team.

 

[Jason Wood]

Harbaugh is pretty high on Kaepernick, he'll probably take over for Smith sometime during 2012. Peyton is such a rep hog in practice that it would hinder the development of Kaepernick.

I don't see Kaepernick taking over in 2012 as being part of the plan. If they were that lukewarm on Smith, they wouldn't be talking about re-signing him for 3-5 years at $10-$12+mm per season.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I don' think for a second that Harbaugh and Manning would not be able to work together. Harbaugh is no dummy and he was ready to retire when Manning marched in. Harbaugh played in that NFC Champ against Pittsburgh, last second hail mary failed, can't possibly believe he resents Manning for a second. Manning did nothing to impede his NFL career, get over it.

Again though and even being a Miami fan, I think Manning would be best in SF. Still, I will gladly cheer him on in Miami.

 

[menobrown]

Current 49'ers are starting to resemble the Steelers of the mid to late 90's. Superior defense and OL to go along with a big time RB but weak at QB and more often than not WR. I was so frustrated all those Kordell/O'donnell years as I felt the team was a QB away from being SB champs and yet the team just never seemed aggressive at filling the position but even they apparently kicked the tires on Marino when his time with the Dolphins was up.

I'm not surprised the 49'ers are not chasing Peyton so much as I'm surprised they are willing to give Alex Smith a multiple year deal which I think is a major mistake. I won't say it's impossible to win a SB with him at QB but a lot of other stuff is going to have to fall in place perfectly and in the end you'll have to win the SB in spite of him and not because of him.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Because Northern California is a ####TY place to live.

 

[Fanatics]

If Harbaugh's ego was as big as everyone thinks, I do not think he would have built the staff around him that he has. The 49ers coaching staff is one of the better staff's in all of the NFL and someone with such a huge ego, could not take giving up some of the credit for winning.

Now with that said, the 49ers have nothing to gain by going public with their involvement with this situation. Although they could lose both QB's in the process if handled incorrectly. I would be totally surprised if they are not involved but will keep it private forever, unless they sign Manning of course.

 

[Couch Potato]

Smith caddied for Harbaugh at Pebble Beach. You think PM would do that? Of course not.

 

[The Dude]

I think it's about control. Right now Harbaugh is the pulse of that team. Manning may be part of a package deal - him, Saturday and Wayne - and if you sign him as part of the package, you are conceding a great deal of control.

 

[Shrugs]

Jerry Rice for GM! I fear that it's a Harbaugh ego issue that will keep the team from going after Manning.

 

[Popinski]

“I think you go for it,” Rice told the Paper. “A guy of that talent, you’ve got everything in place. You’ve got a defense that smacks you in the mouth. You just need a little more out of the offense. That’s not knocking what Alex (Smith) did. (Manning) can take you to a whole different level.”

I agree with Jerry.Let Alex balk at the $10M/year he's been offered. Hey, that (pr-wise) allows the FO to explore Manning--and who says they haven't? Sirius says 5 anonymous teams are in the hunt too. Anyway, it makes too much damn sense to happen. I'm afraid Harbaugh truly has a thing for Alex. I hope not. He's not bad, but he's not Manning. Alex won't elevate the team like Peyton would.

If the goal is to win a SB, Peyton is the clear choice, even if you only get him for a couple of years. Alex Smith had a nice season, but I think it's more likely that he plays worse rather than better next year.

 

[Sea Duck]

Because Harbaugh's ego won't allow it. He wants to win with "his" guys.

 

[Faust]

“I think you go for it,” Rice told the Paper. “A guy of that talent, you’ve got everything in place. You’ve got a defense that smacks you in the mouth. You just need a little more out of the offense. That’s not knocking what Alex (Smith) did. (Manning) can take you to a whole different level.”

I agree with Jerry.Let Alex balk at the $10M/year he's been offered. Hey, that (pr-wise) allows the FO to explore Manning--and who says they haven't? Sirius says 5 anonymous teams are in the hunt too. Anyway, it makes too much damn sense to happen. I'm afraid Harbaugh truly has a thing for Alex. I hope not. He's not bad, but he's not Manning. Alex won't elevate the team like Peyton would.

If the goal is to win a SB, Peyton is the clear choice, even if you only get him for a couple of years. Alex Smith had a nice season, but I think it's more likely that he plays worse rather than better next year.

49ers will play a tougher schedule next year. The fans and the organization will very likely look back on this period in a few years time as a squandered opportunity to get the one player that could have tipped them towards being a Super Bowl winner.

 

[Crazy Tony]

Alex smith stinks. HOw many years are the 49ers going to waste on this guy?

Last year may not have been great but it was a long ways from stinking up the joint.

He's a solid backup QB. He went as far as he possibly could, but as soon as he ran up against a solid playoff defense he folded like a cheap suit. He's had SEVEN seasons as the 49ers QB. I think it's fair to say that he's had his opportunity.

There are several factors involved here: 1. I don't think we've seen the best Alex Smith has to offer. For 7 years he's had a new coach/coordinator or dealt with injury. 49ers weren't even throwing to Vernon Davis early in the season but the Smith/Davis connection advanced them in the playoffs. 2. Manning's Neck. He's good but is he healthy? It's a lot of money for a guy who might be in for play and get hurt. Upside is good if he's healthy. 2.A Mannings neck is so long it rivals a giraffe's. Charles Barkley had no neck and played like he was 6'9. Manning is 6'5 but with a normal neck would be 6'1. If he had a normal neck he'd be healthy by now. He probably keeps re-injuring it getting into his car or bumping it on arena tunnels to the locker room. I think Manning stole Barkely's vertibrae C4,C5. 3. Manning's not afraid of a defense and won't shy away from anyone. He is looking to win. Seattle could be a dark horse here. If you're going to argue he doesn't want to play SF DEF you could also speculate that he's afraid to follow Montana and Steve Young. 4. NY Giants make sense to me. I say NYG picks him up and benches Eli after winning a superbowl. Just for funzies. 5. NY Jets...They could take him and ELI/PEYTON could share an apartment and have bunk beds and make a reality show out of it. It would primarily be of both of them watching game film which is kind of funny. Eli quote "I got more rings Peyton...I get to decide if I get top or bottom bunk"6. LOST BOYS (Kiefer Sutherland, the Coreys) was filmed in/around the S.F. Area. With a neck that long he's just begging to be turned into a night walker. He'll be bitten by a vampire. Any other reasons?

 

[rizzler]

anyone else here think it's cuz of harbaugh's ego?

 

[Couch Potato]

Poor Jimmy HardPaw. Nobody likes his ego.

I thought all those guys had huge egos.

 

[Sea Duck]

I agree that San Fran would be the best place but I wonder how well Peyton and Harbaugh would get along

Manning stole Harbaugh's starting gig in Indy.

Harbaugh is the reason Manning became a Colt.

 

[beerbarron]

The contract negotiations stalling with ASmith is perfect.. JHarbaugh and the organization can say.. hey we tried to resign alex.. and couldnt so we are now going after peyton.. I like capernick as a developmental player and he can watch peyton tear up the nfc west for the next few years..

It could all be part of the PR plan to have contract issues with Alex... just saying...

 

[Warpig]

Alex Smith? Colin Kaepernick? Seriously?The 49ers have one of the best young coaches in the game. The 49ers have a premier defense that almost took them to the super bowl despite a lousy QB. They have a sensational tight end.From what I can see, they have over 20 million in cap space.The NFC West is notoriously awful.They could grab Pierre Garcon, a few rookies, and be up and running immediately. The 49ers would instantly be super bowl favorites. I just don't see him winning big in Miami, Denver, Washington or any of the other "front runners". But put him in San Fran? They instantly are one of the top two or three teams in the NFC.If I was Peyton this would be my first and only stop. I'd sign a deal and go win a couple championships. The only thing that is going to enhance his legacy is winning super bowls. Throwing for 4,000 yards isn't going to do anything for him, as he's done that enough.

Let's get our emotions in check here. All Alex Smith did was take his team to a conference championship. Sure it may have been due moreso to the defense, but he efficiently ran that offense and made very little mistakes during the whole season. That is very important as well.Let's not forget, that "awesome defense" let Eli shred them up for over 300 passing yards. Could no one cover Victor Cruz? San Fran's offense was moving the ball against the Giants, but when the Giants had the ball, SF couldn't get them off the field. The game went in to overtime! Eli had 58 passing attempts compared to 26 for SF. NYG had around 26 rushing attempts I believe and SF had around 28. SF's stupid kick returner fumbled 2 balls giving NYG excellent field position and SF still hung in there! TOP was 39+ min for NYG and 28+ for SF.Let's also not forget that Alex Smith has had a different offensive coordinator pretty much every year he's been there. I mean seriously.Alex Smith may not be Tom Brady, but when he has a coach that believes in him, perhaps he can be productive and consistent on the field.I have no dog in this fight. But I think Alex Smith and Harbaugh have a connection and Smith earned himself the right to prove he can succeed when he has stability. Let him prove he was worth that #1 overall pick. He seems to be willing to do so. Get the guy a solid WR (Crabtree sucks).Peyton Manning is one hit away from being wheel chair ridden.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

With Harbaugh there, they are going to try to re-sign Alex Smith. He's stubborn like that. He went out on a limb when he was first hired, and stuck with Smith, and it

paid off somewhat. He has said repeatedly that he wants Alex Smith back next season and beyond, and I don't see the 49er brass upsetting their new coach by going

after Peyton. A pity, because imagine that defense coupled with an offense displaying Peyton, Gore, Crabtree, and... Reggie Wayne? I personally think Wayne is attached

to Peyton and will go where Peyton goes. That would be a sick, sick team if Peyton checks out ok, health-wise.

This is based off of what? Opinions off of your couch? I've actually met and talked with Harbaugh, great guy and seems very down to earth.

 

[Patroclus]

It's because Harbaugh is a total DBag.

 

[az_prof]

Just posted in the Manning poll thread:

I'm thinking the 9ers. I think the AZ interest is a bargaining smoke screen against SF. He DOESN'T want to face the 9er D twice a year. I think the same could be said for the Redskins/Giants (+ little Manning). Bay area is cool and damp, but not freezing like the northeast. Also not so sure he'd like to have to beat the Pats for the divison if he went to Miami. If this is about winning a ring, and making competitive money, SF looks like the best destination.

Do you guys really think Manning will make his decision based on what Defenses he will face in his division? Really? Do you think he is that much of a weak,player, lacking in confidence that much? I don't. I don't think a HOF QB is worried about the other team's defenses. And at the end of the day, your team has to be better than everyone else to win the SB. I think he will consider which team has the best talent to support his style of play.I think he will consider which team's OC and HC are the best fit for him.I think he will consider which team offers him the most money/best contract terms.And, I think he MAY consider which location is best for he and his family.But the competition? No way.

 

[Man In The Box]

Just posted in the Manning poll thread:

I'm thinking the 9ers. I think the AZ interest is a bargaining smoke screen against SF. He DOESN'T want to face the 9er D twice a year. I think the same could be said for the Redskins/Giants (+ little Manning). Bay area is cool and damp, but not freezing like the northeast. Also not so sure he'd like to have to beat the Pats for the divison if he went to Miami. If this is about winning a ring, and making competitive money, SF looks like the best destination.

Do you guys really think Manning will make his decision based on what Defenses he will face in his division? Really? Do you think he is that much of a weak,player, lacking in confidence that much? I don't. I don't think a HOF QB is worried about the other team's defenses. And at the end of the day, your team has to be better than everyone else to win the SB. I think he will consider which team has the best talent to support his style of play.I think he will consider which team's OC and HC are the best fit for him.I think he will consider which team offers him the most money/best contract terms.And, I think he MAY consider which location is best for he and his family.But the competition? No way.

I think a guy like Manning would look forward to the challenge of having to beat teams like the Pats or the 49ers twice a year.

 

[Multiple Scores]

It's because Harbaugh is a total DBag.

Uncalled for.

 

[Jason Wood]

People sure seem to be making a lot of proclamations about Harbaugh, and I'm not even sure they're justifiable insults. He has a big ego? Really? That's the complaint? Don't you want your head coach having a big ego? Don't you want a guy that takes command of the room and believes he's going to make this team the best in the league? What successful NFL head coach doesn't have a huge ego?

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

It's because Harbaugh is a total DBag.

 

[inzanitee]

People sure seem to be making a lot of proclamations about Harbaugh, and I'm not even sure they're justifiable insults. He has a big ego? Really? That's the complaint? Don't you want your head coach having a big ego? Don't you want a guy that takes command of the room and believes he's going to make this team the best in the league? What successful NFL head coach doesn't have a huge ego?

Sure, most coaches have big egos, but most coaches don't get into shoving matches with the opposing coach after a game. Most coaches don't come across as smug and arrogant with the media (or at least some of them don't). I think there's enough smoke here that there's something to the fact that Jim Harbough is at best a prickly personality. Great coach, though.

 

[5Rings]

It's because Harbaugh is a total DBag.

Sorry he shook your hand too hard, Nancy.