Bears sign WR Dante Pettis

The Chicago Bears welcomed back a familiar face in wide receiver Dante Pettis, who signed a one-year deal with the team on Friday.

Pettis, 28, played with the Bears during the 2022 season, where he totaled 19 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns along with two rushes for 37 yards in 17 games (seven starts).

Pettis also played a key role on special teams as a return specialist, averaging 9.1 yards on 18 punt returns. With Trent Taylor exiting in free agency, Chicago had a hole at punt returner, and Pettis figures to resume that role.

This is the second move at wide receiver for general manager Ryan Poles this offseason. The Bears traded for Pro Bowl wideout Keenan Allen late Thursday night, shoring up the receiving corp behind DJ Moore. While Chicago has their top two guys set, depth remains a concern. Pettis will provide that, along with special teams contributions.

Before joining the Bears, Pettis spent time with the San Francisco 49ers (2018-20) and New York Giants, where he totaled 52 receptions for 739 yards and nine touchdowns in 33 games (12 starts).