The San Francisco 49ers weren't awarded any compensatory picks in next month's draft after the team's free-agent signings from a year ago outweighed its losses. That probably won't be the case next year.
San Francisco could be on track to earn a compensatory pick in the 2021 draft following the loss of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who will reportedly sign a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. So far, the only free-agent addition (so far) to the 49ers roster has been offensive lineman Tom Compton, who probably won't start.
There has been some debate whether or not the trade in October for Sanders was worth it, considering the 49ers were willing to let him walk after just 10 games and postseason play. General manager John Lynch and company gave up two draft picks — third- and fourth-rounders — for the veteran receiver while receiving a fifth-round pick (No. 156 overall) from the Denver Broncos.
The biggest gain was a Super Bowl run, which ended just short of a championship. It was no fault of Sanders', though, who was in position to become the Super Bowl hero on the way to a sixth championship for the franchise. The football, however, sailed beyond the receiver's grasp, and the win went to the Kansas City Chiefs.
It's Matt Barrows of The Athletic's opinion that the trade was well worth it.
Some will ask whether Emmanuel Sanders was worth a half-season rental after the #49ers gave Denver third- and fourth-round picks. SF got a fifth rounder in return and went to the Super Bowl with considerable help from Sanders. IMHO = worth it.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 21, 2020
One fan on Twitter broke down the potential haul that will result from the Sanders trade. Fans can judge for themselves if it was worth it. While the 49ers gave up two draft picks, they gained a fifth-rounder, a Super Bowl run, and will likely be awarded a fifth-rounder in 2021. Was that worth the 13 games Sanders suited up for with the 49ers?
Here's how I see the end result of the Sanders trade:
49ers gave up:
2020 3rd rd pick
2020 4th rd pick49ers gained:
Super Bowl run
2020 5th rd pick
2021 5th rd compensatory pickWell worth it https://t.co/Zck9PiD09J
— Danny G (@Danny_G49) March 21, 2020
That's right ... as long as the 49ers have more FA subtractions than additions this year in order to get that 2021 comp pick for Sanders. https://t.co/0TOerX18F4
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 21, 2020
San Francisco probably won't look to free agency — or even Odell Beckham Jr., for those hoping for that unlikely scenario — to replace Sanders. The team will likely use the draft, possibly even the No. 13 overall pick acquired from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, to add some receiver help.
The 49ers, by the way, have used a selection in 17 consecutive drafts to add a receiver. It looks like a near certainty that 2020 will make it 18 in a row.