Receiver Mohamed Sanu has impressed in his return to the Bay area. After being released by the 49ers after three games last fall, Sanu returned to San Francisco this offseason and the early returns are favorable.

Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel told 49ersWebZone.com that he’s been excited by Sanu: “You can tell that he doesn’t expect anything to be given to him, and he’s trying to earn his spot on this team. So, it was very exciting to see him perform (during off season minicamp). He was doing very well. And, if he comes back to training camp in that same shape, he’s going to be a guy that is going to be tough to beat out for that final 53-(man) roster.”

Entering his tenth season, the 32-year-old Sanu has plenty of competition to make the team behind presumed starters Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. There are currently 11 receivers listed on the roster, not including Samuel and Aiyuk. Amongst those competing with Sanu are Travis Benjamin, Jalen Hurd, Kevin White and Bennie Fowler.

After being released early last fall, Sanu caught on with Detroit but finished the season with just 17 catches and a single touchdown. Despite 2020’s struggles, both he and the 49ers coaching staff are confident he has plenty of gas left in the tank: “Mohamed Sanu is a player that (the coaching staff) have history with, not just last year briefly, but in Atlanta for 2016 (where McDaniel was on the staff). And I think Mohamed Sanu serves as a good vision for a lot of the young guys because this dude came back in great shape and with something to prove,” McDaniel said.

Sanu’s wasted no time getting acclimated with first-round pick, quarterback Trey Lance away from the facility.

Mohamed Sanu

Mohamad Sanu Making Good Early Impression On 49ers