Peyton Manning's Endgame?

Even before Friday there had been chatter that Peyton was going to meet with the 49ers (13-3). It was not clear at the time if it was true, but the San Francisco 49ers were one game away from the Super Bowl this year and must have had some of the parts a winning team needs.  Saturday, the Associated Press confirmed that Manning worked out for the 49ers on Tuesday.

It is hard to say if Peyton is doing this to get a better offer from another team.  No one knows the fine print, but Titan's team owner Bud Adams offered Manning a "contract for for life" in Tennessee--the place Manning's wife is from--and where he is a legend from his days at the University of Tennessee.  According to reports, the Titians liked Manning's throws and quick release.

Arizona did not release QB Kevin Kolb, paid his $7 million bonus and the Cardinals Coach Ken Whisenhunt said, "Peyton is no longer an option."  Miami never had much going for it except the tenuous connection that Peyton had a house there which is a weak link at best.

One last item.  Alex Smith does not yet have a contract with the 49ers and has the same agent Manning does. So, unless this is Peyton calling in a favor to sweeten the pot at Denver or Tennessee, Manning's agent--one Tom Condon--would have to figure out a place where Smith can get a good pay day.