San Francisco 49ers get another wide receiver after signing Mario Manningham

Earlier this week the St. Louis Rams were thought to be close to signing wide receiver Mario Manningham.  However, it was just announced that he instead will join the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year deal.

Manningham was being courted by the Rams to help build up their receiver corps under new head coach Jeff Fisher.  But for some reason, Manningham has chosen to join the 49ers in their chase for a Super Bowl.  Probably with ulterior motives for both sides.

Manningham most likely was getting the deal that he really wants and for the 49ers they may be trying to persuade free agent quarterback Peyton Manning by stocking up on offensive weapons to lure him into signing with them.

Manning was thought to be down to the Denver Broncos or Tennessee Titans as his two picks to sign with.  However, at the end of this week the 49ers became the “dark horse” that rode out of the shadows to show an interest in him.

With Manningham on board, the 49ers have wide receivers Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, and tight end Vernon Davis as four receiving targets that could interest Manning and possibly sway his choice to them.

Manningham was a 2008 NFL Draft third round pick for the New York Giants.  He will be remembered for making a sideline catch in Super Bowl XLVI where he caught the ball between two defenders while barely staying in bounds.  It set up the winning drive that won the game for the Giants.