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Bills Sign Ex-1st Rounder Dante Pettis to Prove-It Deal
Buffalo Bills Sign Veteran Wide Receiver Dante Pettis
What Happened at Training Camp?
The Buffalo Bills made a roster move after their second day of training camp. They signed wide receiver Dante Pettis to a one-year contract. Think of training camp like summer practice before the real games start—teams use this time to see which players fit best.
Important Point: This signing adds experience and special teams value to the Bills’ receiver room right as practices heat up.
Who Is Dante Pettis?
Dante Pettis isn’t a rookie—he’s a 30-year-old veteran with eight NFL seasons under his belt. Here’s the quick rundown:
- Hometown: San Clemente, California
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Drafted: 2nd round, 2018 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers
- Teams Played For: 4 different teams (49ers, Giants, Bears, Saints)
- Most Recent Team: New Orleans Saints (2024-2025)
- New Jersey Number: No. 87 with the Bills
His Career Stats (Regular Season)
Pettis has been productive when given opportunities. Across 66 career games:
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 92 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,231 |
| Touchdowns | 13 |
That’s an average of ~13.4 yards per catch—not bad for a depth piece!
Special Teams Ace
Here’s where Pettis really shines: return skills. The Bills get a two-for-one deal.
Punt Returns (Last 3 Seasons)
- 332 total yards
- 11.8 yards per return average
Kick Returns (Last 2 Seasons)
- 447 total yards
- 24.8 yards per return average
Important Point: Good returners give the offense better starting field position. That’s like starting a board game closer to the finish line!
What This Means for the Bills
- Depth at Receiver – Pettis adds competition behind starters like Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakir
- Special Teams Upgrade – Returns have been a focus for Buffalo; Pettis brings proven production
- Veteran Presence – 8 years of NFL experience helps younger players learn pro routines
- Low Risk, High Reward – One-year deal means minimal salary cap commitment
Corresponding Roster Move
To make room for Pettis, the Bills waived wide receiver Jalen Virgil with an NFI designation.
What’s NFI? Non-Football Injury/Illness – means Virgil’s absence isn’t related to football activities (could be a pre-existing condition or off-field injury).
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Summary
- Bills sign WR Dante Pettis (30, 8-year vet) to 1-year deal after Day 2 of camp
- Career: 92 catches, 1,231 yards, 13 TDs in 66 games
- Bonus: Strong return man — 11.8 yd/punt, 24.8 yd/kick averages recently
- Wears No. 87 | From San Clemente, CA | 2018 2nd-round pick (49ers)
- Jalen Virgil waived/NFI to clear roster spot
- Low-risk signing adds WR depth + special teams value
FAQ
Q: Why sign a 30-year-old receiver now?
A: Training camp reveals roster holes. Pettis adds instant experience and return skills without long-term commitment.
Q: What does "waived/NFI" mean for Jalen Virgil?
A: He’s removed from the roster due to a non-football injury/illness. He reverts to injured reserve if unclaimed.
Q: Will Pettis start immediately?
A: Unlikely—he competes for a depth role and return duties. Starters are entrenched.
Q: How does his return average compare league-wide?
A: 24.8 yards/kick return is above average (league avg ~22-23). 11.8 yards/punt is solid.
Q: Is this a big salary cap hit?
A: No—one-year veteran minimum deals carry minimal cap impact. Low financial risk.
