A surprise suitor has entered the sweepstakes for four-time MVP Peyton Manning's services: the San Francisco 49ers.
NFL Network's Michael Lombardi confirmed an ESPN report that Manning was evaluated by 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman on Tuesday at Duke University in Durham, N.C. ESPN also reported that the 49ers had Manning undergo a medical examination on Wednesday.
Until Friday, it had been assumed that only four teams were seriously in the hunt for Manning, including the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals.
ESPN reports that the Cardinals have been advised that they are no longer a consideration to become Manning's next team.
On Friday, Broncos officials, including John Elway, traveled to North Carolina, to watch Manning work out. Manning is also expected to work out for the Titans. On Wednesday, Manning met with Titans officials in Nashville for nearly seven hours.
Niners quarterback Alex Smith recently became a free agent, despite reportedly being close to signing a three-year deal to return to the team.
The 49ers are looking to upgrade their wide receivers during free agency, having already signed Randy Moss to a one-year deal. The team also hosted free-agent recievers Mario Manningham and Brandon Lloyd on Thursday.
