The New England Patriots have opted to release wide receiver Mohamed Sanu following an underwhelming stint with the team. Although there was initially some optimism that Sanu could make it work in the 2020 NFL season, head coach Bill Belichick saw enough that he decided it was time to move on.
The Patriots made quite an investment to bring Sanu to New England for what only amounted to half a season. Regardless, Belichick feels there was not much more that could be done, via Zack Cox of NESN:
“It’s just one of those things that just didn’t work out,” Belichick said. “I have a lot of respect for Mo. But ultimately, things just didn’t work out.”
Belichick added that Sanu's work ethic was hardly the issue.
“I think he tried very hard,” Belichick said. “I think we tried hard. I don’t think it was anybody’s fault or anything like that. It was just one of those situations that just didn’t work out as well as I think everyone hoped it would have when the transaction was made.
“So, as always, we’ll try to make the decisions that we feel are best for the football team, whether that’s bringing a person in or releasing a player. Obviously, it can go both ways. So at this point in time, we felt (releasing him) was best for the team. Last year, we felt differently. We’re in a little different situation this year.”
The Patriots parted ways with a second-round pick in order to acquire Sanu from the Atlanta Falcons for the second half of the 2019 campaign. An ankle injury in his first game ultimately resulted in him registering just 15 catches for 114 yards and zero touchdowns over the final seven games.
Despite Sanu's efforts to get back win track this offseason, his modest showing at training camp has spurred New England to part ways with him. The decision will save them $6.5 million against the salary cap.
The onus will now fall on Patriots vet Julian Edelman and sophomore N’Keal Harry to head the receiving corps that is also set to include Gunner Olszewski and Damiere Byrd. Meanwhile, Sanu will be looking for another opportunity with the start of the 2020 NFL season just over a week away.
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