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.
Sanders appreciated the campaign in his favor.
And teammate Kendrick Bourne agrees with Samuel.
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.
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.
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