Mohamed Sanu is the 49ers’ most up to date wide receiver, hurrying to protect an injury-laden unit that was ineffective in Sunday’s season-opening misfortune.
Sanu, 31, consented to a one-year deal Tuesday, his operator, Mike McCartney reported.
Once Sanu finishes COVID-19 tests and joins the defending NFC champions, he will bring a veteran presence. Through eight seasons, he’s added up to 92 beginnings in spells with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots.
The 49ers were among Sanu’s admirers before he was managed to the Patriots last October for a second-round pick, and the 49ers traded rather for Emmanuel Sanders, who gave a quick redesign in their Super Bowl run. Sanu was released by the Patriots fourteen days back.
“I have a lot of respect for Mo. But ultimately, things just didn’t work out,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said then.
Sanu (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) reunites with coach Kyle Shanahan, having played in his offensive system when the 2016 Atlanta Falcons arrived at the Super Bowl. The 49ers didn’t promptly affirm his deal.
Sanu talked about it with previous ESPN columnist Josina Anderson, who Tweeted about their discussion: “Jo, it happened so quick. I’m on the plane now. Got to have the rest of my clothes sent. Kyle, said it’ll be awesome to have me, so I feel welcomed.”
Sanu is a half year eliminated from lower ankle surgery, and that makes him more advantageous than a few 49ers receivers, including Deebo Samuel (harmed hold through in any event Week 3) and Richie James Jr. (hamstring injury Sunday). Brandon Aiyuk, a first-round draft pick, was idle in Sunday’s 24-20 misfortune due to an Aug. 23 hamstring injury however is required to make his presentation Sunday when the 49ers visit the New York Jets.
“We’ll see how these injuries go, but I love Sanu,” Shanahan said Monday. “He’s a hell of a player, so him being out there is always a possibility.
“We’ll look into everything that we have, though. We’ve got to know our numbers are going to be up this week, which we don’t have that settled yet, but I wouldn’t rule that out at all. He’s available and he’s definitely a guy I really respect and I think everyone in this league respects.”
Sanu has 403 career receptions, including 26 for touchdowns. He’s additionally scrambled for two touchdowns and gone for four. An ankle injury last season restricted his Patriots efficiency to 26 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown in the regular season. He had only a 11-yard get as the Patriots lost their playoff opener.
In Sunday’s 49ers misfortune to the Cardinals, Kendrick Bourne (two gets) and Dante Pettis (none) began while Trent Taylor and Richie James served as the backups.
