Originally posted by hubbyt:
At this point until Pettis gets a legit chance in games there isnt much to say. Shanahans done with him it appears so even though I still believe he can contribute its useless to debate. As others have said we might as well trade him or cut him. Why hold him hostage
They're not holding him hostage. They need qualified receivers to populate the last three WR spots on the roster. Those guys are not going to get much action, but they still fill a need in case of injury or otherwise. if the passing game evolves, for instance.
The 9ers game has to develop to the point where you need a WR with Pettis' talents, more of the longer pass type game. I believe that KS would like to develop that aspect of his repertoire, but he hasn't had the opportunity or the need to so far. His a very successful running and short, quick pass YAC game. If opposing defenses figure out how to contain that, KS will need to explore other options. Defenses have not yet successfully corralled the 9ers current style of play. They're cheating on defense and not respecting the long pass possibility. A situation ripe for exploitation.
JG also has to return and show that is something that he can develop. He hasn't been asked to do it yet. Without practice, that aspect of the 9er game has been almost non-existent.
In his rookie season with Mullens throwing him the ball, Pettis showed talent playing that style.