The San Francisco 49ers acquired veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders from the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, but prior to landing Sanders, the 49ers pursued a trade for Atlanta Falcons wideout Mohamed Sanu before he was dealt to the New England Patriots, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The 49ers also acquired a fifth-round draft pick from the Broncos along with Sanders, sending a third-rounder and a fourth-round pick to Denver in exchange.

Given the lack of production from San Francisco's receiving corps this season, its decision to go after a wide receiver before the Week 8 trade deadline does not come as much of a surprise.

Not a single Niners wide out has tallied 20 catches this year, with rookie Deebo Samuel leading the way with 15. Marquise Goodwin has 11, making Samuel and Goodwin the only two 49ers receivers to currently own double-digit catch figures.

Of course, tight end George Kittle is the primary option in San Francisco's aerial attack, as he has hauled in 34 receptions for 376 yards and a touchdown thus far.

But if the 49ers, who are 6-0 thanks mostly to their strong defense, want to seriously contend for a Super Bowl, they are certainly going to need more from their passing game, and acquiring Sanders is a good start.

All of that being said, the Niners' passing success starts with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been very underwhelming through six games this season, throwing for 1,314 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions.

San Francisco will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.