Jauan Jennings took part in the 49ers’ opening practice of training camp, despite the current contract impasse between the two sides.
Kyle Shanahan has been involved in a host of contract negotiations with star players during his tenure as 49ers head coach. In recent years, several of them have involved players staying away from the team amid a stand-off with the organization.
As yet, there has seemingly been no progress in talks between San Francisco and wide receiver Jauan Jennings as he seeks an extension on the two-year contract last year after a breakout season in 2024.
Jennings, though is taking a different route to the likes of Brandon Aiyuk, Nick Bosa and Trent Williams.
The former seventh-round pick was at practice for the start of 49ers training camp on Wednesday and, while Shanahan was keen to insist he did not wish to critique players from their decision-making in previous years in terms of contract discussions, San Francisco’s head coach was complimentary of Jennings’ actions in reporting to the facility.
Shanahan told a press conference after the opening practice of camp:
“We know Jauan and Jauan knows us. I think the other way [staying away from the team] makes it harder, but I don’t really compare things to other years and to other people, people have plans, it’s a business plan, it’s usually a plan between player and agent. You see it happen all over the league, it’s happened with us, it’s something I try not to get too worked up about because there’s not always much I can do about it. I always try to recommend to do what I think will help them the most, and I think Jauan’s doing that.”
Despite Shanahan’s words, there is no guarantee that Jennings taking part in practice will lead to a deal being agreed in the near future. However, it’s clear that, despite his demands, Jennings is still on very good terms with the 49ers, making a positive resolution more likely than not.