NFL free agency rumors: Emmanuel Sanders to visit 49ers following visit with KC Chiefs

The San Francisco 49ers search for wide receiver help continues to grow. Several national writers (Schefter, Wilson, Rapoport) are all reporting the 49ers will bring in Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders for a visit. Sanders is currently visiting with the Kansas City Chiefs, and has also visited with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Our friends at Arrowhead Pride had some good info in a recent scouting report they put together. Behind The Steel Curtain also had a report on why they would be fine with Sanders walking in free agency. Sanders is a complementary guy, which would fit in to the 49ers given Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin are at the top of the depth chart.

The problem though is how exactly they would split up more looks. Per Pro Football Focus, the 49ers have used more than two wide receivers 21.1 percent of their offensive plays since 2011. Would we see some slight changes in offensive philosophy with the addition of Sanders, or Julian Edelman, or Hakeem Nicks? We've heard these wide receiver rumors, but it's a little hard to wrap my head around. The team needs long-term options, but it seems like the draft would be the way to go. Adding guys like Sanders, Edelman or Nicks based on how the offense is currently run seems a little odd.

What do you think? Would this indicate a potential change in offensive philosophy to some extent?

Fooch's Update - This from Ian Rapoport:

On Julian Edelman’s visit to the #49ers, my understanding is it’s more of a feeling out process, both ways, than anything. Nothing imminent.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2014