What Happened to Dante Pettis?
Dante Pettis is an American professional football wide receiver known for his collegiate punt return record and a career that has spanned multiple NFL teams. After being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, he has since played for the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints, primarily contributing as a depth receiver and return specialist. Most recently, Pettis signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on July 30, 2026.
Quick Answer
Dante Pettis is currently a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, having signed a one-year contract with the team on July 30, 2026. Prior to this, he spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he contributed as a receiver and return specialist. Pettis was originally a second-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2018 and has also played for the New York Giants and Chicago Bears throughout his NFL career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in San Clemente, California
Dante Garrison Pettis was born in San Clemente, California.
College Career at University of Washington
Pettis played college football for the Washington Huskies, where he became a standout wide receiver and return specialist.
Sets NCAA Record for Career Punt Return Touchdowns
During his senior year, Pettis broke the NCAA record for most career punt return touchdowns with nine. He also earned Consensus All-America honors.
Drafted by San Francisco 49ers
Dante Pettis was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round (44th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Claimed off Waivers by New York Giants
After being waived by the 49ers, Pettis was claimed by the New York Giants, where he would play through the 2021 season.
Signed by Chicago Bears
Pettis signed with the Chicago Bears, playing in all 17 games during the 2022 season, recording 19 receptions for 245 yards and three touchdowns.
Placed on Injured Reserve by Bears
After re-signing with the Bears in April, Pettis was placed on injured reserve and later released with an injury settlement in September.
Re-signed by Chicago Bears (Offseason)
Pettis re-signed with the Bears but was again placed on injured reserve in August and released a week later.
Signed to New Orleans Saints Practice Squad
Pettis joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad mid-season, eventually being promoted to the active roster in December.
Re-signed with New Orleans Saints
Pettis signed a one-year contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, continuing his role as a receiver and return specialist.
Released by New Orleans Saints (Roster Cuts)
Pettis was released by the Saints as part of their final roster cuts before the 2025 season.
Re-signed to Saints Practice Squad
The Saints re-signed Pettis to their practice squad, and he was later promoted to the active roster in December 2025, playing in 8 games with 9 receptions for 127 yards.
Signs with Buffalo Bills
Dante Pettis signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, marking his fifth NFL team.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Dante Pettis, born October 23, 1995, first rose to prominence during his collegiate career at the University of Washington, where he set an NCAA record with nine career punt return touchdowns and earned Consensus All-America honors in 2017. His exceptional return skills and receiving talent led to him being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round (44th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. His initial years with the 49ers showed flashes of potential, including five receiving touchdowns in his rookie season, but consistency and injuries proved to be challenges. He was traded to the New York Giants in 2020, where he played through the 2021 season, often moving between the active roster and practice squad.
Following his stint with the Giants, Pettis signed with the Chicago Bears in 2022, where he appeared in all 17 games, recording 19 receptions for 245 yards and three touchdowns. He re-signed with the Bears in March 2023 but was placed on injured reserve in August and later released with an injury settlement. The 2024 season saw Pettis re-sign with the Bears again in March, only to be placed on injured reserve and released in August. He then joined the New Orleans Saints' practice squad in October 2024 and was promoted to the active roster in December, playing in eight games and contributing 12 receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown, primarily as a return man.
His journey with the Saints continued into 2025, as he re-signed with the team on a one-year contract in March. Despite being released during final roster cuts in August, he was re-signed to their practice squad in October and later promoted to the active roster in December. During the 2025 season, Pettis played in eight games, tallying nine receptions for 127 yards. His role often involved special teams contributions, showcasing his versatility as a punt and kick returner.
As of July 30, 2026, Dante Pettis has signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. This move marks his fifth NFL team and provides him with another opportunity to contribute as a wide receiver and potentially a return specialist. The Bills signed him after their second day of training camp, indicating a need for depth and special teams experience. Pettis, now 30 years old, will look to secure a roster spot and make an impact with his new team, leveraging his eight years of NFL experience and proven return abilities.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Dante Pettis made different choices?