As the San Francisco 49ers approach the start of their 2025 training camp, a significant contract drama is unfolding involving wide receiver Jauan Jennings. The 28-year-old, who emerged as a key offensive weapon during the 2024 NFL season, is seeking a new contract extension or a trade if his demands are not met. This situation marks the second consecutive summer that the 49ers face a contract standoff with a prominent wide receiver, following last year’s similar scenario with Brandon Aiyuk.
Jennings, a seventh-round pick out of Tennessee in the 2020 NFL Draft, has steadily risen through the ranks since spending much of his rookie season on the practice squad. He signed a two-year, $15.4 million extension with the 49ers in May 2024, a deal that currently has him slated to earn $7.5 million in the 2025 season—the final year of that contract. However, after a breakout 2024 campaign where he posted career highs with 77 receptions, 975 yards, and six touchdowns, Jennings believes his compensation no longer reflects his value to the team.
His increased role came in the wake of Brandon Aiyuk’s devastating ACL and MCL injuries during a Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs last season. Jennings stepped up admirably, becoming a consistent starter and one of the 49ers’ most reliable pass-catchers. His 77 catches were just one shy of tight end George Kittle’s team-leading total, while his yardage and touchdown numbers ranked second on the squad behind Kittle. Beyond his receiving prowess, coach Kyle Shanahan has praised Jennings as one of the best blocking wideouts in the league, highlighting his all-around contributions to the offense.
Despite these impressive credentials, the 49ers have yet to make significant progress in contract talks. Sources told ESPN that Jennings has formally approached the team with his request for a new deal, but negotiations remain stalled as training camp looms. If no agreement is reached by the time the team reports next week, Jennings plans to request a trade to a franchise willing to meet his financial expectations.
This standoff echoes last summer’s situation with Brandon Aiyuk, who, after recovering from his knee injury, secured a lucrative four-year extension worth nearly $25 million annually. The 49ers’ front office believes they have treated Jennings fairly, having extended him through 2025 just last year. However, the financial landscape of the team complicates matters. The 49ers have recently locked up several cornerstone players—including linebacker Fred Warner, quarterback Brock Purdy, and tight end George Kittle—to long-term deals, significantly tightening their salary cap space.
Adding to the complexity, the 49ers traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason, a move that seemingly cemented Jennings’ role as a primary target in San Francisco’s offense. With Aiyuk still in recovery and Samuel gone, Jennings is poised to be a focal point for the 49ers’ passing attack in 2025, making his contract situation all the more critical for the franchise’s plans.
Jennings’ path mirrors that of tight end Jonnu Smith, who faced a similar contract impasse with the Miami Dolphins earlier this year. Smith requested a new deal, and when the team did not meet his demands, he sought a trade, eventually landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year, $12 million extension. Jennings appears ready to follow a comparable route if the 49ers cannot accommodate his contract wishes.
Over his career, Jennings has appeared in 60 games with 17 starts, compiling 155 receptions for 1,938 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 2024 season, in particular, showcased his development into a dependable No. 1 receiver capable of thriving in Kyle Shanahan’s complex offensive scheme. The 49ers’ coaching staff values his versatility and reliability, both as a receiver and a blocker, making this contract dispute a notable hurdle for the team as it seeks to maintain offensive continuity.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the 49ers’ front office and Jennings to see if a resolution can be reached. While Jennings is not expected to hold out of camp, his unhappiness could affect team dynamics if the contract impasse persists. San Francisco’s ability to navigate its salary cap constraints while retaining key contributors like Jennings will be pivotal to its 2025 season aspirations.
The 49ers have demonstrated a commitment to locking down their stars, but the Jennings situation underscores the challenges of balancing player compensation with roster building. With the clock ticking toward training camp, the coming days will reveal whether Jennings remains a 49er or moves on to chase a new opportunity elsewhere.
