© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
After a flurry of moves to open free agency, the 49ers have left themselves with almost no glaring needs. Only quarterback (backup/future starter) and starting slot receiver to replace Kendrick Bourne remained. It’s obvious that quarterback will be addressed with the third overall pick and whether it’s Jimmy Garoppolo remaining on, or traded and a competitive backup like Gardner Minshew brought in, it will be sorted with pick three.
That left slot receiver, a position it’s clearly preferable to bring in a veteran, at least as an option to compete in training camp and provide some security before heading into the draft. One name that was obvious among the dwindling list was Mohamed Sanu. Sanu played just three games for the 49ers last year before being waived and picked up by the Detroit Lions.
But Sanu was immediately well-loved in the locker room, especially by young receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Sanu was the team’s other option before it traded for Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, and played under Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta.
Per Sanu’s agent, Mike McCartney, he has re-signed with the 49ers on a one-year deal, to the delight of both Aiyuk and Samuel, who went on Instagram Live with Sanu on Friday night.
View this post on Instagram
Sanu’s major issue in recent years has been health, and his production has declined drastically over the past two seasons. But at the very least, he’s a guy who his teammates already love, who knows the offense, and who can provide a cheap, veteran slot option, making a receiver choice in the draft a little less dire.
San Francisco also signed former Eagles linebacker Nate Gerry, according to John Clark of NBC Sports. Gerry who is effectively a undersized spot edge rusher similar to Dennis Gardeck.
Source says former Eagles LB Nate Gerry is signing with the 49ers pic.twitter.com/72UEe8wElx
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 27, 2021
At least, he’s supposed to be a traditional linebacker but has only been effective in edge rushing situations. After declining veteran linebacker Mark Nzeocha’s contract option, he could provide competition as a special teamer.
Eagles fans, though, were pretty pleased by Gerry’s departure. Most of the comments under Clark’s report are some variation of celebration.