This years receiver dilemma was unexpected
Another offseason, another San Francisco 49ers receiver contract dilemma. Breakout receiver Jauan Jennings wants either a new contract or a trade, according to Adam Schefter. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk had their journeys with the 49ers front office looking for an extension, while Jennings’ process has just begun with eight days until veterans report for training camp in Santa Clara.
For the record, I do believe the team will fix Jennings’ contract for 2025. Jennings has leverage based on Aiyuk’s recovery and inexperience in the wide receiver room for a team looking to make a playoff run. What are some of the possible conclusions?
Trade/Replacement in FA
The former seventh-round pick from Tennessee would garner interest on the trade market. The Patriots, Dolphins, Steelers, and Raiders should be interested in Jennings’ services. Mike Vrabel would embrace Jennings’ toughness and run blocking, as will Pittsburgh, and Mike McDaniel would be bringing back an old friend. The Dolphins should be looking for another playmaker after Jonnu Smith was dealt to the Steelers. The Raiders would love to add another weapon for Geno Smith.
But what about the 49ers if the team moves on from him? Gabe Davis came in for a visit with the 49ers earlier this offseason. Amari Cooper (31 years old) and Keenan Allen (33 years old) are the most seasoned available options. Tyler Boyd is available but is a slot receiver only and is 30 years old.
Could the 49ers be bold enough to move on from Jennings in favor of any of these options? Unless a trade includes a player going to the 49ers, they would have to evaluate all these players to combine with Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, Demarcus Robinson (who could be facing suspension), and Jordan Watkins as the team’s receiver corps.
Contract Extension/Reworking
This is the most likely scenario. An extension is interesting, due to the raise he feels he deserves, with the commitment to getting younger and cheaper this offseason by the 49ers front office. Interestingly enough, Jennings is well worth a raise and could hit free agency next season while carrying a dead cap hit of 8.1 million as next season is a void year.
Could the 49ers be inclined to extend Jennings and save some dead cap, and understand Jennings’ attitude is exactly what the team wants to keep around to help set the tone offensively? We recently covered his impact on the offense during big and clutch moments.
With an 18.8% target share when a 49er quarterback was pressured in 2024 (seventh-highest in the NFL), Jennings is essential for the offense after converting 20 first downs with four touchdowns and 11 explosive gains.
The 49ers will have to find out whether Jennings will “hold in” at training camp, much like Aiyuk did in 2024? Schefter reports Jennings will not hold out, but wants a deal by the start of training camp, and will not be happy at training camp if a resolution isn’t met.