Pro Football

Larry Wilson, general manager of the Phoenix Cardinals, said that quarterback Joe Montana passed a physical during a visit to the Cardinal training facility in Tempe, Ariz.

Montana said that Phoenix is closer to the playoffs than many believe.

“We’ve seen first-hand what they’ve been able to do to us over the past couple of years, and I think that’s an indication of a very talented football team,” he said. “They’ve been playing very well over the last couple of years, and for a team to do that means they’re on the right track.”

Wilson declined to discuss what the Cardinals would give in a trade for Montana, but emphasized that “we want him here.”

Montana, 36, had worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs, who were thought to have the inside track because Kansas City offensive coordinator Paul Hackett is a former 49er quarterbacks coach. Montana, who did not throw for the Cardinals, discounted the Hackett factor, noting that Phoenix secondary coach Jim Johnson coached at Notre Dame while Montana played there.

Montana, who had said he would be interested in playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he canceled a trip to Florida because he had enough information and wanted to get back to San Francisco for the Easter weekend. He said he hoped to make a decision next week.