"Peyton Manning in red and gold?

It's not as crazy as it sounds. The talk shows have been buzzing for weeks, if not months, saying the longtime Indianapolis Colts star is looking for a new helmet next season. And the future Hall of Famer has done little to dispel the rumors.

This past week, he complained publicly about seeing the Colts clean out the coaching staff and front office, and he then went on to say it wasn't a good environment for healing the injured neck that kept him out all season.

By the end of the week, Manning and his owner, Jim Irsay, made a public show of making up, saying they would do what's best for the team. But it's clear the quarterback's not happy. With Stanford's Andrew Luck waiting for the Colts on draft day, it sure feels like Manning has taken his last snap for the Horseshoes.

Enter the 49ers - the very best option Manning could hope for if he wants to play one or two more seasons and pick up another Super Bowl ring. One could argue the Baltimore Ravens would also be an attractive option. But Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are getting old. Patrick Willis and Justin Smith are in their prime.

So, let's settle onto our barstools and hash this thing out. Manning coming to San Francisco is a longshot, but now is the season for shameless speculation."