Dante Pettis, WR/PR
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 26
NFL Exp.: 4 seasons
College: Washington
The New York Giants acquired wide receiver Dante Pettis off waivers following his release from the 49ers midway through the 2020 season. In 2021, the Giants signed Pettis to their practice squad before eventually promoting him to their 53-man roster.
Unfortunately for Pettis, he contracted COVID-19 which he later admitted had such an effect on his stamina that he couldn't contribute at a level he thought himself capable of contributing.
Because the Giants wide receiver unit was so deep this season, Pettis didn’t receive any snaps on offense until Week 6 against the Rams. Although Pettis played in the next two games against the Panthers and the Chiefs, he suffered a shoulder injury pursuing a muffed punt against the Chiefs that ended his season.
2021 Recap
In his first game after being called up from the practice squad, Pettis reeled in five receptions on eleven targets for a total of 48 yards. The following week against the Panthers, Pettis delivered his best outing of the season, catching all five of his targets for 39 yards and a touchdown.
However, the following week against the Chiefs, Pettis only logged in one snap on offense before getting hurt. Following C.J. Board’s injury against the Rams, Pettis took over some of the returning duties on special teams and completed five returns before his season-ending shoulder injury.
Why Giants Should Keep Him
Pettis will probably not be anything more than a WR4 or WR5 and, as such, will have to make his living on special teams. But after excelling in that area in college, he hasn't been able to replicate that success, recording two punt returns for no yardage and one fair catch in 2021, and, for his two-year Giants career, catching 14 out of 26 pass targets for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
The Giants are likely to have numerous options to fill in the bottom of the receiver depth chart and, subsequently, the punt returner role with someone with fresher legs and would come on a less expensive rookie contract.
Keep or Dump?
Pettis, whose father Gary is a coach for MLB's Houston Astros, has talent and speed. Still, with him having had limited productivity for his opportunities, it’s best if the Giants moved on from him and maybe look to replace him via a Day 3 draft pick or UDFA looking to break in with an NFL team as a WR4 or WR5.
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