"Ever since he's been here, you can see kind of things changed a little bit," Samuel said of Sanders in January. "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."
Both Samuel and Bourne had hoped Sanders would return. It wasn't meant to be, however. The 10-year veteran played 13 games with the 49ers, including three postseason contests. His next in-game snaps will take place with the New Orleans Saints.
ESPN reported on Friday night that Sanders agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $19 million ($16 million, plus incentives) to become one of quarterback Drew Brees' targets.
Samuel and Sanders both reacted on Twitter to the news that Sanders was headed out of the Bay Area and to the NFC South.
The players will see each other again this year. The Saints are slated to host the 49ers in a regular-season game once again. The last time the two teams met resulted in a thrilling 48-46 win by San Francisco. Sanders had seven catches for 157 yards with a touchdown in the matchup and even completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to running back Raheem Mostert.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
"It's just stupid, and it's very immature": 49ers react to De'Vondre Campbell quitting on the team
San Francisco 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell left Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams in the third quarter, heading to the locker room. Initially, many assumed it was due to an injury—despite him not playing. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan later revealed a... -
Deebo Samuel, De'Vondre Campbell succumb to frustration as 49ers season washes away
In a rain-soaked stadium, facing their mirror image once again, the San Francisco 49ers stood by and let their season slip away. If not officially, the 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams marks the end of San Francisco's faint playoff hopes. The 49ers, who now fall to 6-8, have... -
49ers' Deebo Samuel denies struggles, blames lack of opportunities
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has faced criticism in recent weeks for underwhelming performances. Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle noted that Samuel has accumulated just 97 total yards over his last four games. Deebo Samuel has 97 total yards in his... -
49ers-Rams: Deebo Samuel takes accountability for crucial dropped pass
Just days after making headlines for suggesting a lack of opportunities was at the root of his diminished production this season, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was upfront Thursday night about a pivotal dropped pass that potentially took points off the board...