Jauan Jennings Seeks New Contract or Trade Amid Rising Frustration with 49ers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is reportedly pushing for a new deal — or a trade — as he enters the final year of his current contract, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Monday.
Jennings is slated to earn $7.5 million in 2025, the last season of the two-year, $15.39 million extension he signed during the previous offseason. Despite coming off a career-best campaign, talks between Jennings and the 49ers have made little to no progress. If an agreement isn’t reached before training camp opens next week, Jennings plans to formally request a trade to a team willing to meet his contract demands.
Cap Situation:
His current deal carries a $4.258 million cap hit in 2025, a manageable number for San Francisco — but one that Jennings feels doesn’t reflect his value, especially following his recent performance.
A Pattern Repeating in San Francisco
This marks the second consecutive offseason the 49ers have faced contract-related drama with a wide receiver. Last summer, it was Brandon Aiyuk in a similar position, seeking a pay raise or an exit. Although Aiyuk eventually signed an extension worth nearly $25 million annually, he is currently recovering from a torn ACL, which could affect his availability heading into the season.
Jennings’ discontent appears indirectly linked to Aiyuk’s situation. Sources believe the team’s significant investment in Aiyuk, despite his injury, has added tension to Jennings’ own negotiations — especially given his healthy and productive 2024 season.
Jennings’ Breakout Season
The 26-year-old wideout is coming off his most productive year in the NFL:
- 77 receptions
- 975 receiving yards
- 6 touchdowns
- 10th in yards per route run (2.51)
- Only one drop the entire season
Additionally, head coach Kyle Shanahan values Jennings for his elite blocking skills, calling him one of the best blocking receivers in the league — an underrated but vital component of the 49ers’ offense.
No Holdout Expected, But Tensions Are Clear
Jennings is not expected to hold out from training camp. However, insiders caution that he will likely report frustrated and dissatisfied, similar to Aiyuk’s demeanor last offseason. Despite this, the 49ers believe they’ve treated Jennings fairly based on last year’s extension.
Following Jonnu Smith’s Blueprint
Jennings appears to be following a strategy similar to what tight end Jonnu Smith used earlier this year. Smith initially asked the Miami Dolphins for a new contract. When his request was declined, he requested a trade and was eventually dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he signed a one-year, $12 million extension.
Jennings is seemingly hoping to use the same leverage: force the 49ers to either increase their offer or let him find a better opportunity elsewhere.
What’s Next?
With training camp just around the corner, the ball is now in San Francisco’s court. Jennings has made it clear: he wants to be compensated like a top contributor or be allowed to leave. Whether the team decides to extend him, trade him, or let the tensions simmer throughout the season could have significant implications for the team’s chemistry — and its offense.
