Re-Sign Dante Pettis: Should The New Orleans Saints Offer Pettis Another Contract?
· Yahoo Sports
The New Orleans Saints heading into the 2026 offseason feel different than in years past. The era of "salary cap purgatory" is fading into a manageable "cap gymnastics" routine, and the emergence of rookie QB Tyler Shough has provided a spark of optimism the franchise hasn't felt in the post-Brees era. As General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Kellen Moore look to round out the roster, one low-profile free agent deserves a serious look for a return, is Dante Pettis.
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While he won’t command the headlines of a Chris Olave extension or a high-profile offensive line splash, Pettis proved in the twilight of the 2025 season that he is the exact type of "glue guy" a progressing offense needs.
The "Safety Net" Factor
The Saints' wide receiver room has talent, but it has often struggled with availability. When Chris Olave was sidelined late in 2025 and Mason Tipton landed on IR, it was Pettis who stepped into the void. His performance in the Week 18 finale with 5 catches for 60 yards against Atlanta wasn't just a statistical blip, it was a demonstration of professional reliability.
In a Kellen Moore offense that prizes timing and route precision, having a veteran who knows where to be is invaluable. Pettis isn't a WR1, but as a WR4 or WR5, he provides a floor that young, unproven talent simply can't guarantee.
Special Teams Stability
New Orleans has a long-standing tradition of valuing the "third phase" of the game. In 2025, Pettis was a vital cog in a punt return unit that flirted with the top five in the league.
Versatility: He handled both kickoffs and punts, amassing over 400 return yards in limited action as a returner after the New Orleans Saints traded Rashid Shaheed.
Efficiency: He showed a "sure-handedness" that allowed the Saints to transition away from riskier, younger return options.
With the Saints likely focusing their draft capital on the trenches, retaining a proven returner on a veteran minimum deal is a savvy move that protects both field position and the salary cap.
The Price is Right
Let’s talk numbers. The Saints are projected to be roughly $21 million over the cap (a "light" year by Loomis standards). To get into the black, they need cheap labor. Pettis played 2025 on a one-year deal worth roughly $1.26 million.
At 30 years old, Pettis is unlikely to see a bidding war for his services. Re-signing him to a similar one-year, incentive deal allows the Saints to:
- Maintain veteran leadership in a young WR room.
- Keep cap space flexible for a potential defensive line overhaul.
- Avoid being "forced" to reach for a receiver in the early rounds of the draft.
My Two Pennies
The New Orleans Saints shouldn't break the bank for Dante Pettis, but they shouldn't let him walk either. He is the quintessential "Loomis Special". He's a former high-pedigree draft pick (2nd round, 2018) who has found his niche as a reliable journeyman.
If the Saints want to build a stable environment for Tyler Shough to thrive in 2026, they need more than just superstars. They need players who don't make many mistakes and can contribute in multiple phases. Dante Pettis fits that bill perfectly.