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Peyton Manning Reportedly Picks Denver Over 49ers

DENVER (CBS/AP) -- ESPN is reporting that Peyton Manning is negotiating to join the Denver Broncos.

Citing anonymous sources Monday, ESPN said that the four-time MVP has instructed agent Tom Condon to negotiate to complete a deal with Denver. Manning became a free agent when the Indianapolis Colts released him March 7 after the quarterback missed all of last season because of multiple neck surgeries.

The addition of Manning could well lead to the trade of Tim Tebow, who energized the Broncos in leading them to the playoffs last season despite his uneven play.

The San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans have been the other teams considered finalists in the race to sign Manning.

Coach John Madden on KCBS 740AM & 106.9FM:

49ers free-agent quarterback Alex Smith traveled to Miami over the weekend to speak with the Dolphins about their quarterback opening.

The 49ers had been working to re-sign Smith, the No. 1 overall 2005 draft pick who enjoyed his best season in 2011 under first-year 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback. Smith and Manning have the same agent, Tom Condon.

Smith has been weighing a three-year offer from the 49ers. If he instead joins the Dolphins, he would be reunited with running back Reggie Bush. They were teammates at Helix Charter High School in La Mesa, Calif.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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