Things didn't seem to be working out for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in Denver. He has a lot of love for the Broncos organization, but the team's 2-5 start prompted questions about the organization's chances of success in the short-term, and Sanders, a 10-year veteran, is looking to win another championship before he calls it a career.
That prompted a trade from the Broncos to the 6-0 San Francisco 49ers, and the move has re-energized the 32-year-old receiver.
Watch: #49ers Emmanuel Sanders' practice debut 1/3 pic.twitter.com/MEACSffUfR
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 23, 2019
"It feels good," Sanders told Bay Area reporters on Wednesday. "Obviously, I've got a lot of love for the Broncos. It's been six years there, won a Super Bowl there. I love that organization, but to be a Forty-Niner, it's like new energy and new environment.
"It reminds me of when I left the Steelers and went to the Broncos. I needed a change of scenery. It feels good to have a change of scenery, and what a great locker room the 49ers have here. Like I said, I'm just going to try to come and bring even more positive energy, and bring another spark to this offense."
Sanders went up against the 49ers defense in August during joint practices in Denver and remembered being impressed.
Watch: #49ers Emmanuel Sanders' practice debut 2/3 pic.twitter.com/DCcKblA9qx
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 23, 2019
"I remember walking out of the bathroom in training camp, and seeing the defensive line, and just seeing how big they are, and how they tee off on the ball," Sanders said.
Part of Sanders' newfound energy might have come from his observations during the 49ers' walkthrough on Wednesday morning, and how his new quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, handles himself.
"What I know so far in terms of him as a player is just going out to the walkthrough, how much energy he brought, just through a walkthrough, practice, and the cadence that he delivered, and the tempo that he expected guys (to have), and getting guys in and out of the huddle," Sanders explained. "It was good to see. I'm a big engird guy. I love and I feed off energy, and his energy is definitely contagious."
Watch: #49ers Emmanuel Sanders' practice debut 3/3 pic.twitter.com/6SYBQttzTV
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 23, 2019
Garoppolo sounded equally excited to work with his new receiving target. The quarterback admitted on Wednesday that he got pumped up while watching a few of Sanders' highlights after learning of the trade.
"He's a playmaker," Garoppolo said. "You give him a chance on the ball, he'll make you look good. Just getting him in space, giving him opportunities to showcase his talents. He's fast, gets out of cuts quickly, runs good routes, and all those things. It's exciting."
Sanders is in the final year of his contract and could become a free agent after this season. He and the 49ers sound content with seeing how the remaining 10 games go before deciding on the future.
"I love playing football," Sanders said. "I love being happy. I love winning games. And I think that's going to be the ultimate deciding factor in where I go (after this season)."
