Ready for Revenge? Mohamed Sanu Out of Walking Boot and Now Rehabbing
There are a LOT of question marks going into 2020 for the New England Patriots. Will Jarrett Stidham be able to continue the tradition of excellence in New England? What will we get out of the tight ends? How will the defense look early on? But one of the biggest question marks will be the wide receiving group. One of the biggest names in that group? Mohamed Sanu. It’s safe to say 2019 was not kind to Sanu on and off the field. That ankle injury cost him to be non-productive and left many fans with a bitter taste in their mouths. But there is a silver lining here. There are reports that Sanu is out of the walking boot and is now rehabbing the ankle.
Report: Patriots wide receiver Mohamed Sanu out of boot, into rehab https://t.co/lO8csKn6tZ
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) May 14, 2020
Could this mean that Sanu is ready for revenge in year two with New England? Let’s look at a few factors.
His Game Against the Ravens
Sanu made a name for himself in the loss to the Ravens. He went off for 10 catches, 81 yards, and a touchdown reception. Brady wanted Sanu with him and this game brought fans a lot of hope for the wide receiver. He was getting open. Brady was continuously looking for him. The chemistry seemed really good. But the point is that Sanu can do this more consistently if he’s healthy. He’s a very talented wide receiver. We just need to see him fully healthy for a season.
The Rest of the Patriots Receivers
This Patriots receiving core is going to be questioned throughout 2020. If Julian Edelman is healthy, he’s still getting up there in age. N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers need to take a step forward in the 2020 season. Marqise Lee is on a one year, prove it deal and has dealt with injuries the past two seasons. Damiere Byrd is another free agent signing that might surprise people. Will the Patriots think that is enough and not even want Sanu in the fold in 2020? Or do they go the direction of hoping Sanu is the Sanu of old and is a reliable target for Jarrett Stidham? This leads to the final aspect…Sanu’s contract.
The 6.5 Million Sanu is Owed in 2020
This is the million dollar question. What does Bill Belichick value more, the player or the cap space? If Belichick cuts or trades Sanu after June 1st, the Patriots save six million dollars in cap space. For the Patriots, that can be two players they bring in for cheap options and high reward. Either way, I think the Patriots win in this scenario. Keep Sanu and you’ll see better results in 2020. Cut/trade him and you’ll have some extra money to use for some other potential signings.
In Conclusion
I really hope Mohamed Sanu proves people wrong in 2020. Not gonna lie, I wasn’t a fan of Sanu in 2019 before learning about how bad his ankle was hurting. But after seeing all of this and analyzing the free agent options, Sanu might be the best option. Imagine a wide receiving core of a healthy Julian Edelman, healthy Sanu, healthy Marqise Lee, and improved Harry and Meyers? If that’s the case, the NFL might be in for a surprise from the Patriots.
-Al Nahigian (@BigAl2793)