Report: Patriots are releasing WR Mohamed Sanu
The New England Patriots made a surprise roster move a little more than a week before the 2020 NFL season kicks off.
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday night that the Patriots "are releasing wide receiver Mohamed Sanu."
The release won't be in time for today's wire, and we've seen examples of teams who ended up trading players they intended to release. With so many WR-needy teams, Mohamed Sanu is one to watch. https://t.co/DiL73ANdfV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2020
The Patriots acquired Sanu in October of 2019 before the trade deadline, and they sent a 2020 second-round draft pick to the Atlanta Falcons to get the veteran wideout.
The trade ultimately was a failure.
Giving up a second rounder -- a valuable asset -- for 26 receptions, 207 receiving yards and one touchdown in eight games is a pretty bad return.
In fairness to Sanu, his performance clearly was impacted by an ankle injury suffered in Week 11 versus the Philadelphia Eagles. He had offseason surgery on the ankle as well.
Sanu's departure leaves the Patriots needing a healthy season from Julian Edelman and improvement from the team's young wide receivers. New England's depth at the position is far from ideal.