Sanders told reporters last month that he enjoyed his time with the 49ers and would be open to returning. That, however, can't happen if San Francisco doesn't make an offer to the veteran wide receiver.
"I enjoyed this season," Sanders said the week after Super Bowl LIV. "I love the Niners organization, so we're going to see what's to happen."
Sanders recorded 66 receptions for 869 yards with five touchdowns through 17 regular-season games and 16 starts with both the 49ers and Broncos this past season. The 32-year-old receiver is preparing to play in his 11th NFL season. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2014, 2016), and was part of the Denver Broncos' Super Bowl 50 championship team.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said two weeks ago that he would love to have Sanders return to the 49ers in 2020, but acknowledged that the team might not be able to make it happen.
"I would love (more) than anything to have Emmanuel back, bad," Shanahan said, "but we've got to see how that all plays out, too. When you look at all our young receivers, we've invested in those guys the last two years. And I think it is hard and risky to invest in receivers because it's just a different type of game."
It's looking more and more likely that the 49ers will allow Sanders to test free agency after trading two draft picks for him this past season.
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