The 2020 season is an important turning point for the 49ers in their quest for an extended championship window. Perhaps no player is more important to their success in the short and long term than quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
He went 13-3 in his first full season as a starter, but he won’t be able to repeat that success on his own.
Here are six players that need to step up in 2020 to help Garoppolo take a step forward:
WR Dante Pettis
Pettis’ rocky second season held the 49ers’ passing attack back some. It took off when Emmanuel Sanders arrived via a midseason trade, but Garoppolo finished the season throwing to effectively the same three receivers each game. Pettis showed the ability to be a threat at all three levels during his rookie season, and he’ll need to step into a more prominent role in 2020 to help pick up some of the slack after Sanders’ departure in the offseason. He doesn’t have to be a No. 1 or even a No. 2 receiver, but he has to earn more than 24 targets.