Is Jauan Jennings in San Francisco's Future Plans?
The 49ers have signed three of their franchise stars to huge contract extensions this offseason. Now the question will become who the next priority for San Francisco is. Last offseason, wide receiver Jauan Jennings signed a two-year, $15.4 million extension with the 49ers. Without a long-term deal, Jennings will be due for another extension in the 2026 offseason. However, ownership will have to come to a decision soon on his future in San Francisco and now might be the best time to do so.
Jennings has been reliable throughout his tenure with the 49ers and has become another one of the franchise’s late-round success stories in the Lynch-Shanahan era. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. After taking a backseat to other stars like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk for his first three seasons, Jennings had a breakout season in 2024. When Aiyuk sustained a season-ending injury, Jennings stepped up in his absence, recording 77 receptions, 975 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. His chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy strengthened after an unbelievable performance in Week Three against the Rams where he caught 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns.
His recent production shows he can continue to develop as a building block in the 49ers’ wide receiver room. There is no question Jennings has come alive in big moments for San Francisco. His Super Bowl LVIII performance can attest to that. However, his age could be a concern when it comes to the value of a potential contract extension. Jennings is 27 right now and would likely be nearing 30 if he secured a new deal with the 49ers. It will be intriguing whether they begin shifting toward getting an extension done with him.
San Francisco has heavily prioritized the position recently with Aiyuk’s long-term extension last offseason and the selections of Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins in their past two draft classes. Pressure should be placed on Kyle Shanahan to consistently utilize his young receivers. In particular, as the team’s 2024 first-round pick, Pearsall is expected to play a significant role in their 2025 offensive game plan. Extending Jennings would indicate their worries about Aiyuk’s injury designation and the development of their young talent
