NFL free agency: 3 players who should be on 49ers radar in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Wide Receiver A.J. Green
Jimmie Ward isn’t the only pending 49ers free agent the team has to wonder about this offseason.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, for whom the Niners traded at the 2019 deadline, is hitting the open market, too. And after being such a difference maker for Kyle Shanahan’s offense in the second half of the year and into the playoffs, it’s likely Sanders will also command some hefty cash on the open market.
San Francisco 49ers
Perhaps enough to price himself out of San Francisco’s comfort zone.
While the 49ers have an up-and-coming receiving star in 2019 rookie Deebo Samuel, there are plenty of major question marks elsewhere at the position, including two-year wideout Dante Pettis‘ relative disappearing act. Pettis’ future is in doubt, while fellow receivers Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd missed the entire year with injuries. Samuel and, to a lesser extent, Kendrick Bourne are the only solid commodities Shanahan has at his disposal in 2020.
But what if the 49ers went after Cincinnati Bengals veteran wideout A.J. Green?
This is something ESPN’s Bill Barnwell proposed in a recent NFL free agency/trade shakeup piece:
"While San Francisco would likely be interested in bringing back Emmanuel Sanders, Green is a clear step above Sanders and would be an ideal primary receiver in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Injuries are becoming a concern for the 31-year-old Green, who didn’t play a snap this past season, but this is a chance to add a transformational receiver."
Yes, Green would thrive in Shanahan’s offense. And considering his injury history, Green probably won’t be anywhere near as expensive as Sanders.
Plus, one has to figure he’d relish the idea of going to a legitimate Super Bowl contender after spending years with the Bengals.
Either way, the 49ers would be wise to at least explore the idea of bringing Green aboard this offseason, should Sanders walk and the price winds up being acceptable.
Next. 3 players 49ers may explore trading this offseason. dark
2020 NFL free agency opens up on March 18.