49ers: 5 best players to spend only one season with San Francisco
No. 1: Cornerback Deion Sanders — with 49ers in 1994
It is almost certainly a general consensus among the 49er Faithful cornerback Deion Sanders had the all-time best one-and-done performance for San Francisco.
Sanders began his career with the Atlanta Falcons who at the time were part of the NFC West. Therefore playing the 49ers twice a year, he proved to be a real thorn in their side. He was one of the best defensive backs, kick returners and punt returners in the league during that time.
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After five seasons with only one playoff appearance, Sanders decided it was time to leave Atlanta. He wanted to shop his options with a new team and felt a chance to win a Super Bowl would be atop his priority list.
He ultimately chose the 49ers before Week 3 of the 1994 season.
“Prime Time” as Sanders was referred to, got to work immediately in the 1994 season. He had six interceptions on the season. With those six interceptions, he returned them for a league-leading three touchdowns and 303 yards.
The 49ers would finish the season 13-3 and end up winning the Super Bowl. Sanders himself would be awarded a Pro Bowl selection, an All-Pro selection and win the 1994 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
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Sanders contends he was never offered a new contract by the team and cites some friction with Jerry Rice as a possible reason. And thus ended one of the best one-and-done seasons with the 49ers.
He ended up signing with the Dallas Cowboys and won the Super Bowl with them the following season.