When Jauan Jennings signed a two-year $15.39 million extension on May 29, 2024, it appeared to be a generous agreement for the seventh-round pick, but a lot of things have changed for both the 49ers and the wide receiver in the past 14 months.
The Tennessee product notched a career-best 2024 NFL season, recording 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns while becoming the 49ers’ No. 1 wide receiver. But when Jennings initially put pen to paper last summer, he was set to be the No. 3 receiver behind both Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
Samuel now is a member of the Washington Commanders, and Brandon Aiyuk is making his way back from an ACL injury suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 season.
Jennings now is the only long-term member of the wide receivers room that is set to be available when the 2025 season kicks off.
The 49ers signed free agent Demarcus Robinson to a two-year, $8 million deal to add firepower to the group, but the ex-Los Angeles Ram is facing up to a three-game suspension after pleading no-contest to a DUI arrest last fall.
Both Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing are expected to be contributors in their second NFL seasons, but the two young receivers were on the field for less offensive snaps combined (561) than Jennings did in 2024 (689, or 73 percent).
Jennings, who reportedly is seeking a new contract or a trade, and his representation, have a legitimate case when comparing productivity across the league at the wide receiver position. The 28-year-old’s 975 receiving yards ranks 25th of all wide receivers and 28th of all NFL players.
Of those with similar production, Jennings has one of the most modest contracts, with only players on their rookie deals making less money.
Here is a list of receivers ranked by receiving yards in 2024 and their current contract values:
21. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
1,001 yards, seven touchdowns
Rookie contract, four-years, $17.46 million
22. DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
992 yards, five touchdowns
Four years, $132 million
23. Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons
992 yards, five touchdowns
Three-years, $39 million
24. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
990 yards, three touchdowns
Rookie deal – four years, $4.084 million
25. Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
975 yards, six touchdowns
Two-years, $11.89 million
26. D.J. Moore – Chicago Bears
966 yards, six touchdowns
Four-years, $110 million
27. Tyreek Hill – Miami Dolphins
959 yards, six touchdowns
Four-years, $120 million
28. Tee Higgins – Cincinnati Bengals
911 yards, 10 touchdowns
Four-years, $115 million
Coach Kyle Shanahan does not only rely on Jennings as a receiver in his offensive scheme, but as a blocker, adding to the leverage that the wideout has in negotiating a new deal. What is unknown, at least outside the building, are the details of what the receiver and his representation are asking for.
Jennings is expected to attend the start of training camp on July 22, when veterans are slated to report, but that does not necessarily mean negotiations are progressing.
Just one year ago, Aiyuk reported to camp to “hold in,” while not taking part in on-field activities. The two sides did not reach an agreement until August 29, 2024.
Shanahan is not slated to speak to the media until July 23, when training camp officially opens.
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