ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on September 3 that the San Francisco 49ers and Jauan Jennings reached a compromise. According to Schefter, the agreement adds $3 million in performance-based incentives to Jennings’ contract.
Schefter adds that under the new terms, instead of the $7.5 million he was originally scheduled to earn this season, Jennings now has the potential to make up to $10.5 million.
Aside from the economics, there’s no one happier than quarterback Brock Purdy. Amid the injuries to the 49ers’ receiver group, Purdy will have a reliable target for the Week 1 battle against the Seattle Seahawks.
“Obviously, the energy that JJ brings and when he steps on the field and the dog mentality that he has, it’s been great,” Purdy said while speaking to reporters on September 4 (h/t 95.7 The Game).
“Then dropping back and trusting in him to be where he needs to be and picking up where we left off, it’s been great. Obviously, having him back has been sweet, trying to get him in the right matchups and getting the ball and let him eat. Really excited that he’s back for our team.”
John Lynch Also Happy for 49ers Star’s Return
Purdy isn’t the only one happy to have Jennings back. On September 4, 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke on KNBR, finally breaking his silence after giving Jennings a pay increase tied to incentives.
“I want to commend Jauan,” Lynch said. “The way he took care of his business both getting healthy and his want for a new contract, he handled it in a good way… When I say stuff I usually mean it… Jauan did battle a calf injury, and he did want a new contract. Both things seemed to get right at the same time.
“We’re going to continue to try to work on a long term deal but right now we’ve got something that works for everybody for the short term and that’s a good thing for the Niners.”
San Francisco Reached a Compromise
Sometimes it’s less about winning a contract battle and more about finding a solution that leaves both sides satisfied and ready to move forward. In Jennings’ case, the 49ers likely didn’t want to appear inflexible or stuck on a point they wouldn’t budge on.
While San Francisco wasn’t ready to offer Jennings a new contract or consider trading him, they still seemed intent on showing the wide receiver that the team values him, even if they couldn’t meet all of his demands.
“The 49ers could have been complete hardliners here and not budged one bit,” David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard wrote on X. “They even worked to insulate themselves a bit at WR outside of Jennings. But cultural upkeep is important and comes with a cost, too.
“Jennings may not be an A-lister but he’s been a sterling performer that fits the operation like a glove. It’s good business to reward those types of players when circumstances dictate, even if there isn’t much wiggle room.”
After falling short of the playoffs last season, the 49ers are aiming for a strong bounce-back. San Francisco will look to start the 2025 season on the right note against their NFC West rival and build early momentum.
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