A little more than a week ago, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh declared that the team didn't "pursue" or "flirt with" but merely "evaluated" Peyton Manning earlier this offseason.
People throughout the NFL are getting a kick out the comments because no one believes them.
The total disbelief in league circles has made the issue a "running joke," according to a source.
The 49ers are now believed to have been one of the two finalists for Manning's services, along with the Broncos.
Harbaugh's Manning Comments A 'Running Joke' Around NFL