Peyton Manning will be released by the Colts on Wednesday, and the 49ers would be wise snatch him up.
Just think about it for a minute: If the 49ers just had a quarterback with experience in the big moments, they probably would have been in the Super Bowl last season.
Fortunately for them, it appears that quarterback is about to hit the open market.
According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the Colts will release four-time MVP Peyton Manning on Wednesday.
Manning, who will turn 36 later this month, threw for 4,700 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2010. He missed all of 2011 recovering from multiple neck operations.
If Trent Baalke doesn’t have Manning’s agent’s number on speed dial, something is wrong.
Manning may be coming off neck surgeries, but he’s Peyton Friggin’ Manning. He’s a maestro on the field, directing the offense as they move down the field. He doesn’t panic in pressure situations.
He’s everything the 49ers need in a quarterback. He makes every player on the field better. He’s going to command a lot of money, but for the 49ers, who are a few pieces away from winning a sixth Super Bowl, he is worth every penny.
Unfortunately, Baalke probably won’t even call Manning’s agent. He and Jim Harbaugh will probably stick with Alex Smith. And they will definitely regret it.
