Atlanta Falcons Add Much-Needed No. 2 Wide Receiver With Signing of Mohamed Sanu

Despite another great season from Julio Jones, adding a competent No. 2 wide receiver via free agency or the draft had to be a high priority for the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. To that end, after a reported visit on Tuesday, Atlanta has agreed to a five-year deal with free agent Mohamed Sanu.

For #Falcons WR Mohamed Sanu, it’s a 5-year deal worth $32.5M, source said. $14M fully guaranteed.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2016

Sanu spent his first four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, with his most productive season coming in 2014 (56 receptions for 790 yards and five touchdowns). He was a multi-faceted weapon in the Bengals’ offense, having two rushing touchdowns last season and two passing touchdowns on five pass attempts thus far in his career.

In Atlanta, Sanu should have a more traditional role as a possession receiver and red-zone target for quarterback Matt Ryan.

Given the thin class of available options, looking to free agency for wide receiver help doesn’t look like a great plan this year; that said, the Falcons were not looking for anything more than a solid second option to go with Jones, so they were in a better position than most teams looking to find a good fit.

Sanu probably won’t make the Pro Bowl anytime soon, but he is a solid addition to Atlanta’s wide receiver group and also offers versatility as a runner and passer.