ENGLEWOOD — According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sander has been traded to the San Francisco 49ers.
Former #Broncos WR @ESanders_10 talking as leaves facility. He will be missed But was time for fresh start #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/TBpnDx9YM2
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 22, 2019
The Broncos will send a 2020 5th round pick with Sanders to the 49ers for a 2020 3rd & 4th round pick.
Former #Broncos @ESanders_10 on what he will remember most about his time in Denver and his message to #BroncosCountry. I wish Sanders nothing but success. Had terrific run in Denver. Cap tip to @sportsdenverfor hustling to get interview #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/YJXIpM6wPj
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 22, 2019
And another trade:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 22, 2019
Denver is dealing WR Emmanuel Sanders and a 2020 5th-round pick to San Francisco in exchange for 2020 3rd- and 4th-round picks, per league sources.
First Mohamed Sanu, now Sanders....
"The offense is similar," Sanders said as he was leaving the Broncos facility. "It has a lot of the same concepts."
Denver wanted to hold on to Emmanuel Sanders for another week and have him play Sunday against Indianapolis. But San Francisco wanted Sanders to play Sunday against Carolina - and now he will.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 22, 2019
Sanders’ exit marks the end of an era. He was the last remaining offensive starter from the Broncos’ 2015 Super Bowl champion. Sanders knew this was possible and was open to leaving to a contender as his role diminished in recent weeks. Despite a remarkable return from offseason Achilles and ankle surgeries, Sanders owned 30 catches with 367 yards and two touchdowns, filling a No. 2 role behind second-year receiver Courtland Sutton.
Sanders has expressed frustration about his lacking targets, unable to help lift the Broncos’ underwhelming offense that averages 16.5 points per game. I spoke with Sanders briefly on Tuesday in the locker room, and he said he had "nothing to say" about the trade rumors. He was open to leaving and had hoped he would land with a contender. The 49ers and Patriots are the only two remaining undefeated teams. They wanted Sanders badly, looking for him to play this Sunday.
The Patriots, Packers, Panthers, and 49ers were among the teams interested in recent days. The Patriots acquired Mohamed Sanu, setting the stage for Sanders’ exit. As stated in earlier version of this story, San Francisco was a team to keep an eye on because general managers John Elway and John Lynch have a strong relationship and have been partners on several trades.
