San Francisco 49ers in Big Trouble If Miss Out on Peyton Manning and Alex Smith: Fan’s Take

The quarterback situation for the San Francisco 49ers has generated some of the biggest news of the free agency period. From the 49ers claiming that they are not interested in signing Peyton Manning (as I discussed here) to the team now being one of three franchises in the running for the four-time MVP's services (as I discussed here), the latest development could potentially lead the team down a very dangerous road.

After over a week of discussions, the 49ers have yet to sign incumbent Alex Smith to a contract. While a three-year offer has been in the works, talks have been stalled due to the team's interest in Manning. Understandably, Smith has decided to take ownership of the situation by taking a red-eye flight on Saturday night to Miami to visit with the Miami Dolphins, as first reported by a Seattle Seahawks blogger on the same flight as the quarterback.

While a majority of 49er fans are either in complete favor or cautious denial of Manning's possible migration to the West Coast, what would happen if the team misses out on the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback and Smith, who is now considering a move to the Dolphins. At first, Smith seemed to be a lock to return as the 49ers quarterback for 2012 and beyond.

Now, if this situation does not work out the right way, the 49ers could potentially be staring at Colin Kaepernick as the team's new starting quarterback. This is something that would make backers of Manning and Smith very upset.

Even if San Francisco is the best fit for Manning in terms of personnel and his ability to win another Super Bowl, his other two likely destinations offer plenty of appeal as well. If he went to the Denver Broncos, Manning would ultimately end Tim Tebow's reign with the team and give the team its best quarterback since the great John Elway. If he went to the Tennessee Titans, Manning would return to where it all started for him as a college quarterback with the Tennessee Volunteers and would possibly receive a lifetime contract from owner Bud Adams.

As for Smith, he has already considered changing agents because of a conflict of interests. Both he and Manning share agent Tom Condon and a change of agents would possibly expedite the process of him signing with a team. Also, a return to the Dolphins would set up a reunion of sorts with former high school teammate Reggie Bush.

Ultimately, the last thing the team needs is to start all over at a quarterback position that finally seemed to stabilize with the career year by Smith. While the saga has been intriguing to say the least, matters could blow up in the team's face and leave the team looking at a mediocre season instead of a possible run at the Super Bowl.

Sources:

AP Source: Alex Smith visits with Dolphins Sunday, AP

The Alex Smith to Miami Story: Seahawks Blogger Breaks News, Niners Nation

Tennessee Titans work out Peyton Manning in Knoxville, ESPN

More from this contributor:

San Francisco 49ers in Running for Peyton Manning, Third Team in Race: Fan's Reaction

Randy Moss Signing with the San Francisco 49ers is Great, but More Moves at Wide Receiver Needed: Fan's Reaction

San Francisco 49ers not interested in Peyton Manning, have 'offer on the table' to Alex Smith: Fan's Take

2011 Defensive Player of the Year Award Doesn't Go to a San Francisco 49ers Player: Fan's Reaction

San Francisco 49ers' Jim Harbaugh Wins AP Coach of the Year: Fan's Reaction

Austin Chang is a lifelong football fan, San Francisco 49ers supporter, and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow this contributor on Twitter @_austinchang.

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