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Should the Atlanta Falcons trade WR Mohamed Sanu?

By Branden Peplowski

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Mohamed Sanu #12 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a catch during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Mohamed Sanu #12 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a catch during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is congratulated by teammate offensive lineman Mason Zandi #74 after scoring a touchdown against the Western Carolina Catamounts on November 19, 2016 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages)
COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is congratulated by teammate offensive lineman Mason Zandi #74 after scoring a touchdown against the Western Carolina Catamounts on November 19, 2016 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages) /

San Francisco 49ers

To me, the 49ers make the most sense to trade for Mohamed Sanu. Their top wide receiver is rookie Deebo Samuel. Samuel was selected in the second round of this year’s draft, and was the third receiver taken overall. He is a talented receiver who excels at picking up yards after the catch.

Starting Samuel day one at the number one receiver spot wouldn’t surprise me because they lack receiver help. I believe he can come in on day one and make a statement in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Sanu would fit in perfectly as a number two receiver in Shanahan’s offense. Not only does it fill a need for a veteran receiver to join the young core of guys like Deebo Samuel, Dante Pettis, Trent Taylor, Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Hurd, and Kaden Smith, but Sanu is familiar with Shanahan’s offense from when he was the offensive coordinator in Atlanta during their Super Bowl run.

The 49ers do have two veteran receivers on the roster currently in Marquise Goodwin and Jordan Matthews but both have underperformed and been disappointments.

Goodwin hasn’t caught more than 105 yards in one season during his six season in the league, making him a prime candidate to be released. Also Matthews is listed 7th out of 8 wide receivers on the depth chart, leading me to think he will also be released come the end of August.

That would leave the 49ers with no veteran presence if they don’t add Sanu this offseason. They need to make room for him by cutting a couple players who have underperformed as of late but I believe he’d be welcomed with open arms by coach Shanahan.

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I could see the 49ers offering a mid-round draft pick to the Falcons making it a win-win for both sides. As San Francisco would get a great leader to help the young receivers and make for a great target for Jimmy Garoppolo.

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