49ers Blew it by Not Signing Robby Anderson to Replace Emmanuel Sanders

The 49ers came awfully close to Super Bowl glory last month. San Francisco held a lead over Kansas City in the fourth quarter, but ultimately didn't have enough firepower to get the job done and close it out. It'll take a lot for the 49ers to replicate their NFC title next season, and the start to their offseason should make that pretty clear.

San Francisco's depth at wide receiver has been an issue for a while now, and trading for veteran Emmanuel Sanders only remedied matters in the short term. The 49ers missed out on extending Sanders to start this offseason, but they made an even bigger mistake in not reacting quickly by signing free agent Robby Anderson, who is now a Carolina Panthers.

Wide receiver has been a glaring team need for San Francisco as of late, and that couldn't be more evident as free agent pass-catching threats are flying off the market and finding new homes around the NFL. The 49ers could have benefited from Anderson's size and speed on the outside, but the Panthers beat them to it.

Anderson had been the bright spot of a depleted Jets receiving corps for four seasons, and will finally have the chance to be part of a capable offense, but it's not fair to think he's better off playing in Carolina than he would have in San Francisco.

After striking out on Anderson, the 49ers swallowed their pride and signed Travis Benjamin to a one-year deal to help with depth at the position, but his upside beyond the kick return game is limited. San Francisco will likely end up selecting a wideout early in next month's draft, but don't let that distract you from the fact they could have easily added someone like Anderson via free agency.