3 most underrated moves the Chicago Bears have made this offseason
The signing of Dante Pettis is an underrated move by the Chicago Bears
I am still in love with this move. It could honestly fizzle out as fast as it started, but the upside and potential of Dante Pettis in this system are fantastic. Pettis is a former second-round pick in 2018. Coming out of Washington, he showed an ability to make explosive plays in both the receiving and return game. I don’t expect, nor want to see him involved in the return game here in Chicago, but knowing he’s there as an insurance policy isn’t a bad thing.
Pettis only ran a 4.53 40-yard dash but he plays much faster than that on the field. His ability to separate and find open space while the quarterback moves outside the pocket on broken plays is something this Chicago Bears team has not seen under Matt Nagy. This should help Justin Fields make an immediate connection with Pettis.
Pettis isn’t the biggest or the strongest receiver and that has hurt him with injuries while in the NFL. If he can limit his hits — why he shouldn’t be a returner — he could work his way into the secondary role behind Darnell Mooney this season. For now, I think that will be Byron Pringle’s spot and not to mention Velus Jones, the rookie out of Tennessee, will also push for targets. Dante Pettis could find himself as the WR2, WR3 or WR4 in this offense.
Like most of the receivers on this team, Pettis can play almost anywhere. I’d expect to see him line up in the slot or play on the outside for most of his snaps. Signing both Pettis and Tajae Sharpe could lead to the exit of 2021 rookie wide receiver, Dazz Newsome. I love Newsome, but Pettis is a more talented prospect. Rumors are he didn’t show enough effort in San Francisco and that is why his snap count dropped significantly after his fairly successful rookie year.
Pettis didn’t get a chance to shine in New York after a shoulder injury put him on injured reserve. The hope here is that he can stay healthy and get back to his rookie ways — or even produce more in 2022.