The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back a familiar face, signing wide receiver Dante Pettis following a team workout on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the franchise moved quickly to bolster a wide receiver room depleted by injuries.
Pettis, 30, originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick by the 49ers in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Washington. During his initial three seasons in San Francisco, he appeared in 28 games, catching 38 passes for 576 yards and seven touchdowns. His rookie campaign highlighted his early potential, as he recorded 467 receiving yards and five scores. However, his role diminished over time, leading to his release in November 2020.
Following his departure from the Bay Area, Pettis spent time with several organizations across the league. These included the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints, along with a stint during the 2026 offseason with the Buffalo Bills. Across 66 career regular-season games, Pettis has accumulated 92 receptions for 1,231 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Addressing Major Injuries in the Wide Receiver Room
San Francisco decided to reunite with Pettis amid a wave of health setbacks within the receiving corps. Rookie standout Ricky Pearsall is sidelined for the remainder of the season following knee surgery. Meanwhile, Demarcus Robinson, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Christian Kirk are currently on injured reserve, significantly thinning the team’s depth.
Additionally, veteran star Mike Evans has managed a rib injury, though team reports indicate it is not a long-term concern. With upcoming matchups approaching, head coach Kyle Shanahan required immediate depth and pass-catchers already familiar with the offensive scheme.
Workout Group Details
Pettis participated in Tuesday’s tryout alongside a group of nine free agents evaluated by the 49ers front office. Notably, the workout group also featured wide receiver Brenden Rice, the son of NFL legend and 49ers icon Jerry Rice. Ultimately, the franchise opted to lean on Pettis’s prior experience in San Francisco’s system to provide immediate stability.
The transaction remains contingent upon Pettis passing his physical examination. As the 49ers prepare for their upcoming games, the veteran receiver’s familiarity with the offense offers a pragmatic, low-risk solution to an acute roster emergency.
