3 things to know about new Chicago Bears WR Dante Pettis

Over the course of the Chicago Bears’ offseason, one of the main concerns has been at wide receiver.

First-year general manager Ryan Poles has taken a different approach than what some fans have wanted to see, but insists he is trying to build this team back up the right way. Throughout free agency, the theme was to not hand out any large contracts and, instead, free up future money for a big 2023 offseason.

Poles only initially signed Equanimeous St. Brown as the only free agent wide receiver. Then, he followed it up by drafting just one wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft, in Velus Jones Jr.

A lot of fans were still unhappy, and justifiably so. The Bears’ wide receiver room was largely unchanged — thin, and without a true number one option.

The Chicago Bears added depth by signing free agent wide receiver Dante Pettis.

Just a couple of days ago, the Bears signed two veteran wide receivers to give the team much-needed depth. They brought in former San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants wide receiver Dante Pettis, along with veteran Tajae Sharpe who has played for three teams over his career.

Focusing specifically on Pettis, the Bears took a shot on youth and upside. Pettis is still just 26 years old and was a second rounder in 2018 out of Washington. The 49ers took him with the 12th pick in that second round, making him a pretty costly selection.

Unfortunately, Pettis fell out of favor with the 49ers for reasons we’ll get to later on. He also dealt with a couple of injuries here and there which prevented him from playing full seasons.

With a dynamic skill set and plenty of time left to prove himself, Pettis comes into Year 5 now with his third team in the Bears. If he hits, he could be a valuable, low-risk asset to this team. Here’s just a few things everyone should know about the Bears’ newest receiver.