Mohamed Sanu on joining the 49ers: ‘It happened so quick’

Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu's agent confirmed on Tuesday that his client had reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Sanu joins a banged-up receivers group that is without Deebo Samuel (foot) for at least the next two games, could be without Richie James (hamstring), who also serves as the team's top return-man, and perhaps even rookie Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring). Although, the 49ers remain hopeful that Aiyuk will return this week.

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.