NFL Rumors: Patriots Release WR Mohamed Sanu

Check out the latest news and notes from around the NFL.

The New England Patriots released wide receiver Mohamed Sanu on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, removing an expensive veteran from their receiving corps.

Source: The #Patriots are releasing veteran WR Mohamed Sanu. A surprise.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2020

The release is not yet official, so there's still a chance the Patriots could trade Sanu instead, but the decision caught some off guard after New England traded away a second-round pick for Sanu last season.

In eight games with the Patriots last season, Sanu caught 26 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown. He was due $6.5 million in base salary in 2020, which is now set to come off the books entirely.

Sanu enjoyed his most productive years with the Atlanta Falcons. From 2016-18, he had 192 receptions for 2,194 yards and 13 scores.

Check out the latest news and notes from around the NFL: 

• The Buccaneers have signed former Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette to a one-year deal. Jacksonville released Fournette earlier in the week, taking nearly $4.5 million in dead money to their salary cap (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• Washington named Dwayne Haskins as its Week 1 starting QB on Wednesday. (Washington Football Team)
• The Giants are expected to release CB DeAndre Baker, who's facing armed robbery charges as a part of what's turned into a bizarre court saga. (Ryan Dunleavy, New York Post)
• The Chargers placed star safety Derwin James on injured reserve after James underwent successful surgery in his right meniscus tear in his right knee. (Los Angeles Chargers)
• Saints running back Alvin Kamara returned to the team's building on Wednesday and was expected to practice. However, a trade still remains a possibility. (Josina Anderson)