What does Emmanuel Sanders bring to the San Francisco 49ers? In addition to a reliable target for his quarterback, maybe football and life lessons like this.
The veteran is well-respected by the team's group of less-experienced wide receivers. It's probably no coincidence that the emergence of rookie Deebo Samuel coincided with the trade that sent Sanders from the Denver Broncos to the 49ers.
Samuel has learned a lot from Sanders during their half a season together. That includes how to study film and game plan.
"Ever since [Sanders has] been here, you can see kind of things changed a little bit," Samuel said during the week leading to Super Bowl LIV. "We kind of got like a true vet in the room. He's been in the league so long, played in Super Bowls. Kind of like the knowledge that he passed down to us, we kind of don't have a choice but to listen to him."
Now, Samuel is pleading for the 49ers to re-sign Sanders, who is scheduled to hit free agency next month, so the team can help the veteran receiver earn a second Super Bowl ring.
I know it ain't my call but I want my bruddah @ESanders_10 back on the squad so he can get him another Super Bowl ring 🤷🏾♂️🙏🏾
— UnoCaptain‼️❌ (@19problemz) February 19, 2020
Sanders appreciated the campaign in his favor.
✊🏾🙏🏾 My brotha 4L https://t.co/kW5ypQKcED
— Emmanuel Sanders (@ESanders_10) February 19, 2020
And teammate Kendrick Bourne agrees with Samuel.
Yea they better not play! @49ers we got unfinished business!!!
— Kendrick Bourne Poly (@BournePoly11) February 19, 2020
Sanders sounded unsure about his NFL future while speaking with reporters during the week following the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, but did admit that he enjoyed his short time with the 49ers.
"I enjoyed this season," Sanders said. "I love the Niners organization, so we're going to see what's going to happen. Truthfully, I have no thought process with it right now coming off the Super Bowl loss."
More recently, Sanders, a 10-year veteran, has declared that he has a lot more left in the tank and can still contribute for any interested NFL team.
😂 Its crazy how people keep talking bout my age but I'm still flying past 23 year olds and only had 2 drops the entire year. 1 with the broncos and one with the niners. Keep bringing up my age to make yourself feel good but go look at the film.
— Emmanuel Sanders (@ESanders_10) February 12, 2020
I'm still playing at a high level and will continue to play at a high level as long as I want bc my heart is immeasurable and my work ethic is second to none!
— Emmanuel Sanders (@ESanders_10) February 12, 2020
Sanders, 32, hauled in 66 catches for 869 yards with five touchdowns through 17 regular-season games and 16 starts between the 49ers and Broncos in 2019.
