New England Patriots go all in with Mohamed Sanu trade

Taking a look at the New England Patriots trade for Mohamed Sanu with the Atlanta Falcons.

On Tuesday, the New England Patriots sent a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. I assume that the pick sent to Atlanta is a 2020 NFL draft selection, but that has yet to be announced. Regardless, this is a high price to pay for a player of Sanu’s caliber. However, Sanu is still under contract through the 2020 season and with a lack of playmakers at the wide receiver position, the Patriots felt it necessary to make this deal.

After the failed Antonio Brown experiment, the New England Patriots were relying heavily on Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon at wide receiver. Edelman has continued to be rock-solid, but Gordon has been struggling with injuries. With Gordon out, the Pats have leaned on Phillip Dorsett and undrafted rookie Jakobi Meyers more than they have wanted to. Now, they can insert Sanu into the mix as a versatile and dependable weapon for Tom Brady.

Through seven games this season, the 30-year-old Sanu has caught 33 passes for 313 yards and one touchdown for the struggling Falcons. He has clearly become the third receiver on Atlanta’s roster and certainly made much more sense playing for the competitive Patriots.

Now, Sanu is a good player who can make an impact for the Pats in the slot or on the outside. He also comes in and fills an obvious position of need for the team. On the surface, this is not a bad deal. But trading a second-round pick for a 30-year-old receiver who got lost on a 1-6 team is a questionable decision. We have all learned not to question Bill Belichick at this point, but I cannot help but wonder whether this is the best use of resources.

That being said, Sanu is a tough, smart and productive player who will be able to come in and make an impact for the 7-0 New England Patriots. They are a team that is clearly playing for the now and Sanu makes them a better squad at the moment.