Ian Bunting

Bunting was born on February 10, 1996, in Hinsdale, Illinois. He attended Hinsdale Central High School, playing football on offense and defense. He recorded a total of 27 pass receptions for 583 yards and four touchdowns on offense, and also made 12 tackles and two sacks on defense. After graduating, he committed to the University of Michigan. He spent his first year as a redshirt, before making five catches as a freshman in 2015. He recorded five catches again in 2016, but just one as a junior in 2017. He appeared in a total of 34 games for the school before transferring to the University of California.[1]

In his lone season at California, Bunting appeared in 13 games, starting four. He made 18 catches for 195 yards in the season. Against Oregon, he made his career-long reception of 45 yards.[1]

After going unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft, Bunting was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.[2] He was waived at the final roster cuts on August 31.[3] Bunting was signed to the practice squad of the New York Jets on September 2, and was released on September 25.[3]

On October 8, 2019, Bunting was signed by the Indianapolis Colts to the practice squad.[4] He was signed to a futures contract on December 30. He was released at the final roster cuts on September 1, 2020.[5]

Bunting was signed by the Arizona Cardinals to a futures contract on January 5, 2021, but was waived on August 23.[6]

Three days later, after the retirement of Luke Willson, Bunting was signed by the Seattle Seahawks.[7] He was waived on August 31.[8]

On September 3, Bunting was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to their practice squad.[9] He was activated from the practice squad to the active roster for their game against the Washington Football Team, and made his NFL debut in the 27–20 win.[10][11] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys on January 18, 2022.