The 49ers wide receiver wants a new contract.
Just when it seemed the San Francisco 49ers would get through a drama-free offseason, reality struck once again.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings publicly expressed his desire for a new contract on Monday, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that the wideout would demand a trade if one’s not in place by training camp.
Jennings is in the second year of a two-year, $15.4 million extension he signed last offseason. He has a $1.17 million salary this season.
Jennings’s request comes on the verge of a lot of movement at the wide receiver position this offseason. The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders back in March, signed DeMarcus Robinson on a one-year deal, and drafted Jordan Watkins and Junior Bergen.
In addition to that, they still have star Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from the torn ACL and MCL injuries he sustained last October. Aiyuk is expected to miss the start of the season, with the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) list being a possibility.
All of the movement makes Jennings the current No. 1 wide receiver for the 49ers, with 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall filling in as the No. 2 in place of Samuel.
Behind the duo, San Francisco doesn’t have much experience with Aiyuk still rehabbing. Also, Robinson is expected to be suspended for three games due to a DUI arrest last year.
That provides Jennings with some leverage to make his demand, as the 49ers valued his breakout campaign in 2024, when the wideout caught 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns.
Given the continuously improving market for wide receivers, Jennings could ask for a new contract worth $15 million annually, which the 49ers may not accommodate, given their commitment to Aiyuk and Pearsall.
So, in the off chance Jennings is traded, who would be the next man up for the 49ers?
Ricky Pearsall
Immediately, the thought goes to Ricky Pearsall, who was expected to take on a bigger role in Year 2.
Pearsall flashed, especially near the end of the season, when he caught eight passes for 141 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in Week 17, and six passes for 69 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.
He finished the season with 31 catches for 400 yards and three scores, with over half of that production coming in the final two weeks.
The start of his rookie campaign was derailed by injuries and a shooting incident, but the hope was that he’d be fully healthy for the entire 2025 offseason.
Unfortunately, he has dealt with another injury, causing him to miss minicamp, but he should be a full go for training camp. Injuries are a factor to watch, but Pearsall is the prime candidate to step up if Jennings is traded.
Jacob Cowing
The receiver getting the most buzz this offseason has been Jacob Cowing, who has been lauded by coaches and teammates for his work ethic and improvements over the past few months.
Cowing, who stands 5’9, 171 pounds, is an unusual fit in San Francisco’s offense because of his size, which naturally mitigates his blocking ability. But, he has good twitchiness and speed that allows him to get open, and the rapport with Brock Purdy is seemingly coming together this offseason.
Cowing would be a natural Jennings replacement because he’s a slot-only wideout. However, he will need to become stronger and work well in the run game to fit in a Kyle Shanahan offense.
Jordan Watkins
Perhaps a surprise name to kick off the offseason, fifth-round pick Jordan Watkins could make a quick ascent up the depth chart if Jennings isn’t on the team in 2025.
Watkins also flashed early in the offseason, drawing the eyes of his coaches and teammates, with Brock Purdy raving about the rookie back in June.
“He’s balling, man,” Purdy said. “Jordan Watkins has been balling from day one, really. He’s come in and has done everything pretty right, and he’s been on point. I mean, he’s had a lot of explosive plays down the field, and obviously, in the short game, the intermediate. He’s making plays all around.
“I’m excited for him. Obviously, we know it’s a process throughout this whole thing, from OTAs to the 40 days away to camp. I know he knows that, but I’m really excited to keep working with him, and for him to keep learning our offense and how we do things. But definitely a rookie that has popped out in front of everybody.”
With rookies, it’s tough to get on the field early in a Shanahan offense, but Watkins seems to have the confidence, and his speed is a big boost. At 5’11, 196 pounds, he could be a fit in the slot or on the outside, but, like with Cowing, blocking will be a factor to watch.