NFC West: Quick-take 2020 projection for 49ers, their rivals
By Peter Panacy
San Francisco 49ers
Notable Additions: OG Tom Compton
Notable Subtractions: DT DeForest Buckner, OG Mike Person, WR Emmanuel Sanders
Round 1 NFL Draft Picks: Nos. 13 and 31 Overall
Trading DeForest Buckner got all the highlights amid the start of the league new year, but that freed up more than $12 million in cap space for San Francisco while dodging the now-$21 million payday Buckner will receive from the Colts.
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The Niners used that money to retain two of their top pending free agents, Arik Armstead and Jimmie Ward, yet the team wasn’t able to re-sign wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, as he elected to join the New Orleans Saints.
Instead, look for Kyle Shanahan to capitalize on two first-round draft picks to replace the aging veteran.
Side note: It’ll be interesting to see what the Niners do to alleviate the starting role now vacated by right guard Mike Person, who was cut shortly after free agency began.
Despite losing Buckner, the Niners still boast one of the most formidable defensive lines in the league, certainly the best within the NFC West. The question will be how well San Francisco’s secondary holds up this season.
Next. 3 reasons 49ers would be OK without Emmanuel Sanders. dark
As for the offense, getting another pass-catching weapon for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will go a long way in ensuring the 49ers don’t lose hold of a division that boasts at least three legitimate playoff contenders this upcoming season.