The Atlanta Falcons found a complement to Julio Jones, a new target for Matt Ryan and another toy for offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
The team agreed to terms on a five-year deal with former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Mohamed Sanu, a deal worth $32.5 million with $14 million guaranteed in the first two years ($7 million signing bonus).
What the Falcons get in the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Sanu, 26, is a confident, bigger wide receiver who can beat one-on-one coverage when Jones gets added attention, an aspect the Falcons didn't get from their receivers last season. Sanu also is capable of running plays out of the Wildcat and has completed all five of his career passes, two for touchdowns. That means Shanahan can run some gadget plays with Sanu.
And once again, Sanu is confident. He didn't believe he was targeted enough in Cincinnati alongside A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert. He had some issues with drops a few years ago but said those are behind him.
The Falcons released veteran Roddy White and parted ways with Leonard Hankerson due to injury. They sorely needed someone to take the stress off Jones, who led the NFL with 1,871 receiving yards last season on 136 catches.
Sanu firmly believes he's the man for the job.
"If you’re watching the film and you understand, I can line up anywhere,'' Sanu said. "I can run any route. There are no ifs, ands or questions about it. Whoever lines up against me, they get their work, period. That’s what people don’t understand."
