With Deebo Samuel struggling and Brandon Aiyuk hurt last season, San Francisco 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings made the most of his starting opportunities. The 28-year-old had a breakout year, setting new career-highs in catches, yards and touchdowns.
Now, he wants a new contract.
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Jennings — who is entering the final year of his current deal — reportedly wants an extension or a trade before the 2025 NFL season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jennings plans to attend training camp even if he doesn’t get a new deal, per Schefter.
The former seventh-round pick has been an effective NFL player since joining the 49ers in 2020, but seemed to elevate his game last season. With Aiyuk injured, Jennings stepped into a starting role and hauled in 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns — all career-highs.
While those numbers were solid, Jennings experienced a somewhat uneven year. He accumulated 175 yards and three touchdowns during a Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He did have four other games where he went for at least 88 or more receiving yards, but his Week 3 performance was the only time he exceeded 100 receiving yards in a game last season.
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The 49ers seemed to be encouraged by Jennings’ numbers. The team traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders in the offseason, opening up a possible starting spot for Jennings, especially with Aiyuk’s return date unclear.
While that could give Jennings some negotiating power, the presence of last year’s first-round pick Ricky Pearsall complicates matters. Pearsall missed time early in his rookie season due to a gunshot wound, but had moments of promise later in the year. If he comes into camp completely healthy, Pearsall will be viewed as a possible breakout candidate in 2025. If the 49ers believe in his ability, the team could hesitate to give Jennings a new contract.
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If the 49ers decide to explore a trade, it’s unclear what Jennings will bring back. He’s put up solid numbers when called upon, but has never been a true, full-time starter.
That could make it tough for the 49ers to get enticing trade offers, and for Jennings to get the new contract he seeking.
