San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is seeking either a new contract or a trade, according to sources familiar with the situation. Jennings, who is set to earn $7.5 million in the final year of his current deal, approached the 49ers with his request, but little progress has been made so far. This marks the second consecutive summer where the team faces a similar situation with a receiver desiring a new deal or a change of scenery.
The current scenario echoes the situation involving Brandon Aiyuk last year. As training camp approaches, Jennings is expected to remain with the team initially, but if an agreement is not reached, he plans to formally request a trade to a franchise willing to meet his financial expectations. If Jennings remains with the 49ers, he is projected to count $4.258 million against the salary cap in the last year of the two-year, $15.39 million extension he signed last offseason.
Jennings is coming off a standout season, achieving career highs in receptions (77), receiving yards (975), and touchdowns (6). He also ranked 10th in yards per route run at 2.51 and recorded only one drop throughout the year. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as head coach Kyle Shanahan regards him as one of the best blocking wide receivers in the league.
Despite the recognition, Jennings has expressed dissatisfaction with his current contract. The 49ers believe they have treated him fairly, having extended his contract last year, but Jennings remains adamant about wanting better terms. If he cannot secure a new deal, he is prepared to follow the path taken by tight end Jonnu Smith, who recently requested a trade from the Miami Dolphins to the Pittsburgh Steelers after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Jennings and the 49ers. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for Jennings’ future and the team’s roster strategy heading into the 2025 season.
