Any belief that there was a bad relationship between San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Dante Pettis can be put to rest.
During Wednesday’s media availability, Shanahan was asked about his relationship with Pettis following Tuesday’s surprising decision to bring him back.
Originally, Pettis was expected to be an impactful player on the 49ers roster after being selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but he could never take the next step — primarily because of injuries.
Rumors of a fallout between Pettis and the 49ers arose after the team attempted to trade him multiple times during the 2020 season. San Francisco could never find an ideal trade package and would eventually release him in November that year.
“There was no relationship issue. That was just how it worked out,” Shanahan said. “I think people get confused sometimes with saying, ‘people are in the doghouse’ and things like that. People, I think, get that confused with coaching.”
Since his release, Pettis played for three different teams and had his first healthy season in 2022 when he played in all 17 games with the Chicago Bears.
Pettis saw 41 targets that year and logged 19 receptions for 245 yards and three touchdowns.
“I’ve always loved Dante,” Shanahan said. “Dante’s a great dude, got a lot of ability. He’s done some really good things since we let him go at other places.”
Shanahan went on to say that the 49ers tried to bring him back to their roster during training camp, but the team would come up short.
During the offseason, he spent most of it as a free agent until he was signed by the Buffalo Bills after a tryout in late July.
Pettis appeared in two games during the preseason and only had one catch for 16 yards in the Bills’ final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He would be cut from the team shortly after.
Now with things coming full circle, Pettis has a renewed opportunity with the 49ers and is currently on the team’s practice squad.
Due to injuries at the wide receiver position, Pettis could have a chance to be elevated to the active roster when the team hosts the Denver Broncos.
