The San Francisco 49ers received a timely boost on September 1 as Jauan Jennings returned to practice. The team has been hampered by injuries across its wide receiver group, making Jennings’ comeback a key lift for the Brock Purdy-led offense.
Jennings had been out for an extended stretch with a calf injury, and his future with the 49ers had been uncertain amid contract talks. The wide receiver requested a trade after signaling he wanted a new deal.
On July 14, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, citing sources, that Jennings was seeking either a new contract or a trade as he prepares to earn $7.5 million in the final year of his current deal.
Nonetheless, it appears there’s been a compromise with Jennings returning to camp. On September 3, Schefter reported that the 49ers and Jennings have reached a compromise.
According to the NFL insider, the new agreement adds $3 million in performance-based incentives to Jennings’ contract. That means instead of the $7.5 million he was set to earn this season, Jennings now has the potential to make up to $10.5 million, per Schefter.
Kyle Shanahan Had No Hard Feelings for 49ers Star
Speaking to the media on September 3, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he has no hard feelings toward Jennings and stressed that he wants all his players to have the opportunity to maximize their earnings.
“We have no issues with Jauan in [terms of] relationship,” Shanahan said (h/t KNBR). “[With] Jauan [it’s] all love, that was never personal.”
Over the years, as the 49ers head coach, Shanahan has seen the franchise pay players who earned their financial increase. Moreover, he has watched San Francisco make tough economic decisions, allowing key players to leave in search of better economic opportunities.
Kyle Shanahan Knows It’s All Business
Shanahan has spent years in the NFL, giving him the ability to separate personal feelings from the business side of the game. He knows players have a limited window to secure their financial futures and that a single injury or unexpected roster move can quickly impact their earnings.
“It’s business, and that’s the tough thing about this,” Shanahan added. “I want every player to make as much money as possible. I want every coach. I want everybody to. It’s just hard in situations to always do that, but that’s something as a coach you’re always pulling for.
“But also, I do understand the business, too. Sometimes it’s hard when other people don’t, so you got to communicate with people and stuff like that so it doesn’t become personal. But the relationship I’ve always had with Jauan, never really worried about that.”
It will be interesting to see if this performance-based incentive increase to his salary this season is enough for the 49ers to show that they value Jennings, who could put up impressive numbers to start the season after several injuries to the receiver position.
Both sides are ready to move on, and Jennings must replicate last season’s production. He’s approaching free agency next offseason and will look for a big payday, whether with the 49ers or deciding to look elsewhere.
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