Midway through the 2019 season, the New England Patriots traded a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
For that steep price, Bill Belichick and co. were hoping Sanu could boost a subpar receiving corps for Tom Brady.
But Sanu didn't make the impact the Patriots envisioned, tallying 26 receptions for 207 yards in eight regular season games. He caught just one ball for 11 yards in New England's 20-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Sanu's production was hindered by an ankle injury he suffered in his second game with the Patriots, ultimately requiring offseason surgery.
Any hope that Sanu might find a bigger role in New England's revamped offense led by Cam Newton dissipated when the team surprisingly released the 31-year old wideout before the 2020 season.
On Thursday, Sanu opened up about his unsuccessful stint in New England.
“I felt like it just wasn’t a good fit,” Sanu told the Sacramento Bee. “Things happened the way they happened, and I’m not really looking to the past…I’m grateful for my time in New England. It taught me a lot, just didn’t jell out how I wanted it to.”
Sanu signed with the San Francisco 49ers last week, and his veteran presence is already influencing the Niners young receiving corps. Sanu is clearly excited about his new situation and eager to move on from Patriots talk.
“I’m just focused on what I got ahead in San Fran,” Sanu said. “I’m excited just to be a part of this team. This culture is more my style, so I’m excited for it.”
Sanu may have his first chance to make an on-field impact for San Francisco when they visit the New York Giants (0-2) at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, though the 49ers are likely to be without QB1 Jimmy Garropolo (sprained ankle).
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