49ers players, fans react to Emmanuel Sanders trade

The San Francisco 49ers picked up wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in a trade with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, and Niner Noise takes a look at some of the best reactions.

The San Francisco 49ers improved their wide receiver corps by a significant margin on Tuesday by picking up 32-year-old veteran wideout Emmanuel Sanders in a trade with the Denver Broncos.

Denver’s 9News’ Mike Klis was first to report the transaction, which included the Broncos’ Round 5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft coming along with Sanders in exchange for San Francisco’s third- and fourth-round picks.

Earlier in the day, the New England Patriots made a move with the Atlanta Falcons for wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. Both the Pats and 49ers are the league’s only remaining undefeated teams entering Week 8, and appear to be poised for a Super Bowl matchup, at least according to Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman:

There were plenty of other reactions from around the league, too. Linebacker Kwon Alexander was one of the first to welcome Sanders to the 49ers:

So was safety Jaquiski Tartt:

https://twitter.com/Quaski29/status/1186720550384570368

Rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel also welcomed Sanders aboard. Samuel figures to benefit from the veteran’s presence, especially considering the latter has a Super Bowl pedigree.

In many ways, Sanders can act as a mentor for younger receivers, such as Samuel and second-year pro Dante Pettis, both by providing some veteran savvy and also by taking pressure off the two this season.

And for those wondering how Sanders will look in red and gold, EA Sports Madden NFL 20 already has an answer for you:

Sanders won’t be able to wear his own No. 10, though, as that number is reserved for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

The 49ers made the trade official Tuesday afternoon, and general manager John Lynch said the receiver’s “familiarity in a similar offensive system will allow for a quick transition.”

Before the trade, Marquise Goodwin was the Niners’ leading wide receiver with 181 receiving yards on the season. Sanders already has 367 yards with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco throwing to him.

Getting Sanders acclimated, as Lynch pointed out, should be relatively seamless, and one might expect the veteran to suit up for San Francisco’s next game against the visiting Carolina Panthers.