Predicting which pending free agents 49ers re-sign in 2020
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver Emmanuel Sanders
The 49ers aren’t going to be able to retain all of their top-name free agents this offseason, especially if they commit to re-signing players like Jimmie Ward.
And one of the players who could go is veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
Sanders, whom the Niners picked up via a trade with the Denver Broncos prior to the 2019 deadline, immediately made an impact with Kyle Shanahan’s offense, recording more than 500 receiving yards and three touchdowns, giving quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo a reliable pass-catching option with plenty of playmaking prowess.
But Sanders will also turn 33 years old this March, and it’s likely this will be the last large-scale deal the veteran will be able to receive on the open market.
There’s a good chance his asking price will be far above what the Niners are willing to offer.
San Francisco is also going to bank on healthy returns from injured wideouts, Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd, in 2020. Third-year pro Dante Pettis will also look to bounce back from a forgettable season.
Sanders is a case where the 49ers would like to bring him back, ultimately not being able to, however.