J
ust when the San Francisco 49ers were on their way to a drama free offseason, problems arose. On July 14th, reports emerged that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, Jauan Jennings, gave the franchise an ultimatum– demanding either a new contract or a trade. Signing a two-year contract extension with the franchise last offseason, Jennings enjoyed a breakout season in 2024 and emerged as one of San Francisco’s top pass catching targets.
On NFL Live on July 16th, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that multiple teams have already called the 49ers to inquire about Jennings’ availability. However, it sure sounds like the Niners are intent on keeping their breakout star around– at least for 2025.
Jennings’ Current Situation
Jennings’ current deal pays him about $7.7 million in each of the two seasons but after a 2024 campaign that saw him amass 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns– all career highs– he wants a deal that pays him more money. And with no deal imminent and making it known that he is willing to leave if needed, Schefter said that teams have done their due diligence to see if they can acquire Jennings.
“Several teams have already inquired about Jauan Jennings’ availability, but the 49ers said they have no desire in trading the wide receiver,” Schefter said on NFL Live.
Jennings has a lot of leverage in this scenario. With Brandon Aiyuk expected to miss the start of the season rehabbing a torn ACL and newly acquired receiver Demarcus Robinson facing a suspension, Jennings is in line to be the No. 1 wideout to begin the campaign. If the 49ers are unable to work something out with Jennings, being without him could end up being detrimental to their Super Bowl aspirations.
What Options Jennings Has
Despite his request, Jennings is reportedly slated to report to training camp– even if it means not participating in practices. Last summer, the 49ers faced a very similar– if not identical– situation with Aiyuk. Demanding a new deal after a dominant 2023 campaign, Aiyuk reported to camp but was a ‘hold-in,’ showing up for practice but not participating. Eventually, he landed a four-year, $120 million extension that pays him $30 million each season. Jennings could try and do the same thing and see if the 49ers budge on a lucrative deal.
But Jennings could also follow the same method that former Miami Dolphins tight end, Jonnu Smith, used to earn a new contract for himself. Smith had a career season in 2024, catching 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, and demanded either a trade or a new contract from the Dolphins. When they did not give him what he desired, the Dolphins traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who ended up handing him a one-year, $12 million extension– placing him in the top 10 of the NFL’s highest paid tight ends for 2025.
Jennings proved that he is very valuable and important to the 49ers success and with a major shortage at wide receiver, the team will now need to show Jennings how much they actually value him if they want to stand any chance at keeping him around.
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