The New England Patriots (2-6) placed a claim on former San Francisco 49ers receiver Dante Pettis, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. But the New York Giants (1-7) successfully claimed the receiver with higher waiver priority. If not for coach Joe Judge and general manager David Gettleman swooping on Pettis, the wideout and former second-round pick would have joined New England.
The Patriots added a pair of receivers this week. They traded a seventh-round draft pick for Dolphins wideout Isaiah Ford, and signed receiver Donte Moncrief to the practice squad. Clearly, New England is doing what it can to help the passing offense, with quarterbacks Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer combining for just three passing touchdowns, the worst in the NFL.
If Dante Pettis had not been claimed by the Giants, he would have become a Patriot, per source.
The Patriots (2-5) and Browns (5-3) also attempted to claim the 2018 second-round pick, with the Giants (1-7) having higher waiver priority.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 5, 2020
Pettis has played in five games this season, but has logged zero catches. His best season was his rookie year when he had 27 catches for 467 yards and five touchdowns.
Without Pettis, the Patriots have receivers N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd, Ford, Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski. Julian Edelman is on injured reserve with a knee injury, but Belichick indicated the receiver should return this season. New England also has Isaiah Zuber and Moncrief on the practice squad. Because of COVID-19 protocols, Ford and Moncrief cannot join the Patriots until they’ve presented six consecutive negative tests, spaced 24 hours apart.
