Peyton Manning Signs with the 49ers

(Image THANKS to Ohmyjuly.wordpress blog))

I'm confident in making this statement.  All the "measurables" favor his signing with the 49ers.

I offer today for your consideration:  "SEVEN... yes SEVEN compelling reasons why Manning will sign with the 49ers.  Seven's the number... seven little chipmunks twirling on a branch; eating lotsa sunflowers on your uncle ranch... you recall that old sailor's song by the sea... SEVEN's the number!  SEVEN!!!  Now step into my office..."

1. Money is NOT the issue. Peyton's motivations are equaling his brothers' SB ring total -- at a minimum.  The others - NFL records, are also improved if he signs with the 49ers, but winning at least one more SB is the Biggie.  Manning  doesn't need money or a huge contract. He will make money on and off the field.  His celebrity status offers him a variety of money making ventures as spokesman.  Peyton has shown he has no qualms about doing whatever is needed to take a paycheck -- Oreo eating duel with his brother?  When Peyton leaves the NFL, he will walk into a broadcast booth.   His earning potential in and around football will end when he dies.

2.  Peyton has said he doesn't want to face his brother regularly.  Don't know when this was said, or how important this is as a deal breaker.  I suspect the comment was made BEFORE S.F. expressed interest.   Peyton has limited time to acquire another SB trophy - I submit this is a greater concern.  The 49ers are not in the NFC East.  The risk of playing Eli while with Indy was only a little less likely.

3.  S.F. provides Peyton a fast track to the SB.  SF has made recent acquisitions to improve their WR core.  Davis, Crabtree, Moss, Manningham, Walker, and my draft prediction - Brian Quick, will provide Manning ample targets.  Save Quick, these are veteran, savvy receivers.  No other team in the running can match this WR lineup.  (Name one elite WR on either Denver or the Titan's team.)

4. The Niners have cap space to accommodate Manning; and provide him ample protection.  The 49ers will structure their draft to acquire O-Line protection, and/or trade for players specifically suited to Peyton's style of play.  Manning career MAY extend another 4, maybe 5 years with adequate protection AND providing him the ability to avoid pressure with a sound running game and good WRs.

5. With Manning under center, opposing defenses cannot stack the line as they often did with A. Smith.  The 49er running game will get silly.  This will provide Manning options that work to also protect him from injury.

6.  SF's head coach is a huge positive.  Make no mistake about it.  Harbaugh KNOWS what it takes to play QB in the NFL.  He and Manning share an intensity about the game that is unavailable elsewhere.  No other team has this benefit.  Elway is in the front office, not on the field.   Munchak was NOT Coach of the Year, nor is he the competitor Harbaugh is.  Manning's play can only improve with Harbaugh on the sidelines.  Conversely, Manning's input will improve the coaching decisions.  This relationship has numerous benefits obvious to both.

7.  SF's chances of competing for the SB are in the top 5 - at least!  All facets of S.F.'s team are improved over last year and the draft has yet to occur.

7+.  Manning's number 18 is not retired at S.F..  Admittedly, this is a lame consideration, if a consideration at all.  But after considering the above, we won't be considering this issue much longer.

Peyton will sign with the 49ers as soon as his anniversary duties are completed.  Write it down and hold me to account.

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