With Deebo Samuel struggling and Brandon Aiyuk hurt last season, San Francisco 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings made the most of his starting opportunities. The 28-year-old had a breakout year, setting new career-highs in catches, yards and touchdowns.
Now, he wants a new contract.
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Jennings — who is entering the final year of his current deal — reportedly wants an extension or a trade before the 2025 NFL season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jennings plans to attend training camp even if he doesn’t get a new deal, per Schefter.
The former seventh-round pick has been an effective NFL player since joining the 49ers in 2020, but seemed to elevate his game last season. With Aiyuk injured, Jennings stepped into a starting role and hauled in 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns — all career-highs.
While those numbers were solid, Jennings experienced a somewhat uneven year. He accumulated 175 yards and three touchdowns during a Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He did have four other games where he went for at least 88 or more receiving yards, but his Week 3 performance was the only time he exceeded 100 receiving yards in a game last season.
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The 49ers seemed to be encouraged by Jennings’ numbers. The team traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders in the offseason, opening up a possible starting spot for Jennings, especially with Aiyuk’s return date unclear.
While that could give Jennings some negotiating power, the presence of last year’s first-round pick Ricky Pearsall complicates matters. Pearsall missed time early in his rookie season due to a gunshot wound, but had moments of promise later in the year. If he comes into camp completely healthy, Pearsall will be viewed as a possible breakout candidate in 2025. If the 49ers believe in his ability, the team could hesitate to give Jennings a new contract.
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If the 49ers decide to explore a trade, it’s unclear what Jennings will bring back. He’s put up solid numbers when called upon, but has never been a true, full-time starter.
That could make it tough for the 49ers to get enticing trade offers, and for Jennings to get the new contract he seeking.
This news was originally published on this post .
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