The San Francisco 49ers are rolling out the welcome mat for a blast from the past, bringing Dante Pettis back into the fold after he reportedly tried out for the team. This whole thing kicked off after Mike Evans went down with a rib injury, forcing the Niners to scramble for receiver depth. Jordan Schultz says the deal is done, and Pettis is signing back with his original squad.
A Blast From The Past: Pettis’s Rollercoaster Ride
Eight years ago, Pettis was a second-round draft pick for San Francisco in 2018, and man, he flashed some serious potential right out of the gate. His rookie season saw him put up 467 yards and snag five touchdowns. Those numbers are still career-highs for the guy. Remember that game-winning touchdown catch he had against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 the very next season? That was electric! But after that, his opportunities just dried up. He straight up didn’t play in the final five regular season games or in their Super Bowl run that followed. Ouch. By 2020, he only played five games before they waived him.
Why Bring Him Back Now? It’s All About Depth
Since leaving the Niners, Pettis has bounced around the league a bit, with stints on the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints. He even had a quick run with the Buffalo Bills during training camp this year. Now he’s back, and you gotta wonder what the expectation is. The 49ers are dealing with injuries at the receiver spot, so they need bodies, but the source says they’re “hoping to not have to rely on Pettis much.” Still, it’s a move that makes a lot of sense for a team desperate for pass-catching depth. He knows the offense, he’s got NFL experience, and that familiarity probably played a huge role in this reunion.
It’s clear the 49ers are looking to bolster their ranks with someone who can step in immediately. Pettis brings a known quantity back into a locker room that needs some veteran depth right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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