Atlanta Falcons: Moving Mohamed Sanu At Trade Deadline Is Smart Decision
The Atlanta Falcons are struggling this season and the reason for that is, no one knows. How can a team, two years removed from the Super Bowl with the same stars and supporting cast, fail this miserably? As teams look to make moves before the NFL Trade Deadline, the Falcons must consider one or some of their own. It all starts with trading away wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
What the Falcons must consider is, will breaking up Sanu and Julio Jones be worth it this season and moving forward? The answer to that is an astounding yes. The Falcons selected wide receiver Calvin Ridley in the 2018 NFL Draft and it’s time they see what this kid can do opposite Jones.
Since coming to Atlanta in 2016, Sanu has caught 150 passes for 1680 yards and 12 TDs. On the flip side of the coin is his contract. The Falcons are set to pay Sanu another $12.5 million over the next two seasons. While that doesn’t sound like a steep price, the Falcons can use that money elsewhere like on the defensive side of the ball.
Moving Sanu to a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars or Tennessee Titans, will free up cash and the opportunity Ridley needs to become a mirror image of Jones.
Mohamed Sanu could snag a third-fifth round pick for the Atlanta Falcons depending on what teams are interested in the 29-year old receiver. His time spent with Matt Ryan and Jones should bold well for his future team. This is a guy who stays out the news, keeps his head down and doesn’t mind playing third or fourth fiddle in an offense. Sanu is a team player, it just so happens, Ridley is primed to take his spot.
This is the future of the Falcons were discussing and while they will continue to ride the arm of Ryan and hands of Jones, it’s time to think about the other side of the ball. Moving Sanu is for defensive purposes and to acquire some cap relief.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
