© Stan Szeto | 2019 Nov 24
It has been said that the NFL stands for “Not For Long.” For 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis, that quip could prove accurate.
The 49ers traded up to select Pettis in the second round out of Washington just three years ago, but the clock is ticking on the speedster who caught just 11 passes in 2019, and was a frequent target of public criticism from head coach Kyle Shanahan. So much so that 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco believes there’s a chance Pettis doesn’t even make it out of training camp.
“His prove it time is when and if there is a training camp,” Maiocco said of Pettis on the Tolbert, Krueger & Brooks Show. “If he doesn’t show up in great shape and stronger, I just don’t see him being on the team. I think his prove it time in a normal year is August, otherwise he’s going to be looking for work.”
The 49ers wide receiver room is suddenly crowded. Deebo Samuel and rookie Brandon Aiyuk are locks. That leaves probably four or five spots left for Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Hurd, Trent Taylor, Travis Benjamin, Jauan Jennings, Richie James Jr. and Pettis. Put simply, if Pettis doesn’t show up, he’s out.
Maiocco identified running back Jerick McKinnon as another prove it candidate. After signing a lucrative deal two years ago, McKinnon hasn’t appeared in a single game thanks to chronic knee injuries.
“Prove it year would have to be Jerick McKinnon. He’s a guy who fits exactly what Kyle wants, but he hasn’t played in two years, so this has got to be his year.”
Listen to the interview below.