3 biggest concerns facing Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: A Revamped 49ers Wide Receiver Corps
This is a double-edged sword for Jimmy Garoppolo and the Niners, meaning it’s just as much a concern as it is a reason for excitement.
The 49ers would probably like to re-sign wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who fit in seamlessly with San Francisco’s offense after the team acquired him before the NFL trade deadline. But given current and pending financial obligations the Niners have for 2020 and beyond, it’s going to be tough for Sanders to return.
Garoppolo developed excellent chemistry with Sanders, which directly affected the positive output from rookie wideout Deebo Samuel, who’ll obviously be back. So will wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, a restricted free agent, barring another team sending compensation to the 49ers if Bourne signs elsewhere.
Three-year wide receiver Trent Taylor is also expected back from a foot injury.
But all those wideouts have one thing in common: youth. Garoppolo and the Niners benefited from Sanders’ veteran savvy and abilities, which boosted what was an otherwise lackluster receiving corps over the first half of 2019.
It’s anyone’s guess the impact Sanders potentially leaves on the rest of the group, should he leave in free agency. And it’s a further guess if Garoppolo can withstand the loss, too.