Add to that an injury to tight end George Kittle (knee sprain), and you can see why the 49ers felt the need to bolster quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's potential targets.
Josina Anderson reached out to Sanu after news broke of the impending signing.
"Jo, it happened so quick," Sanu told Anderson via a phone call. "I'm on the plane now. Got to have the rest of my clothes sent. Kyle (Shanahan) said it'll be awesome to have me, so I feel welcomed."
Shanahan worked with Sanu for a season in Atlanta when the 49ers head coach was the offensive coordinator for the Falcons.
"I mean, he's a hell of a player," Shanahan said of Sanu on Monday. "Him being out there, it's always a possibility. We'll look into everything we have, though. ... But I wouldn't rule that out at all. I mean, he's available, and he's definitely a guy that I respect, and I think everyone in this league respects."
The 49ers contemplated trading for Sanu last season, but the New England Patriots sent a second-round pick to the Falcons in exchange for the veteran receiver. San Francisco didn't have a second-round pick.
Shanahan and company opted to send a third- and fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Emmanuel Sanders and a fifth-round pick. Sanders left this offseason for the New Orleans Saints.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL insider drops hints about 49ers' coordinator searches
The San Francisco 49ers are deep into their search for a new special teams coordinator, having interviewed several candidates. Among them are Detroit Lions assistant special teams coordinator Jett Modkins, Denver Broncos assistant special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, and... -
Could 2 QB contracts offer hints about Brock Purdy's deal with the 49ers?
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy set a franchise record in 2023, throwing for 4,280 yards with 31 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a stellar 113.0 passer rating. He led the team to the Super Bowl, coming agonizingly close to securing a championship. With sights set... -
49ers projected to receive three compensatory draft picks
Following the season, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch shared that the team expects to have 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. "We have 10, probably right now, nine draft choices," Lynch said. "We think we'll have 10 with a comp pick. The 49ers retain most of their... -
One 49ers player earns spot on PFWA 2024 All-Rookie Team
The 2024 season was a major disappointment for the San Francisco 49ers. Plagued by injuries, the team stumbled to a 6-11 finish. However, the adversity provided opportunities for several rookies to gain valuable experience in their first NFL season. One of the brightest young...