The San Francisco 49ers retain a valuable depth and spot starter at wide receiver in Jauan Jennings on a 2-year deal worth up to $15.4 million.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 26-year-old is getting a $10.5 million total guaranteed and even though he opted to not sign his free-agent tender this offseason, Jennings agreed to this 1-year extension instead.
The former 7th rounder from the 2020 NFL Draft was a restricted free agent after the 2023 season and played a pivotal role in the Super Bowl with the 49ers against the Kansas City Chiefs. Now he stays in San Francisco, hoping to make another run at the Championship in 2024 as a key player in their offensive scheme.
With starters in front of him and the drafting of a first-rounder this past NFL Draft, this could be more for insurance at the position or could loom large for a potential move involving one of their star receivers.
49ers: Jauan Jennings Signs 2-year Deal
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This is a wise move for Jauan Jennings to stay with the 49ers and Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, as he serves as a trustworthy possession receiver with a skill set that allows him to play in the slot or on the outside.
At 6’3″ and 212 pounds, he is also a very efficient blocker with his size despite his lack of speed. The former Tennessee Volunteer finished 2023 with 19 catches, 265 yards, and a touchdown. In the Super Bowl this past season, Jennings had four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown, along with a lateral throw to star running back Christian McCaffrey that led to the game’s first score.
During his rookie year in 2021, late-round gem had a career-high five touchdowns and followed that up with a career-high in yards and catches with 416 receiving yards and 35 receptions in 2022. The depth piece will look at another shot to get a ring, as San Francisco failed to achieve that in 2023 despite his heroic clutch plays.
Jennings is back at OTAs as Schefter first reported the new deal, as he will be back with the team for at least the next 2 seasons.
49ers: Jauan Jennings is Projected as their WR 3 or 4
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I would say the move signals a few different potential options for San Francisco, as they have a loaded wide receiver group along with Jennings.
They drafted Florida’s Ricky Pearsall to play the slot, most likely in the first round as the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. On the depth chart, he is ahead of Jennings, as their star receivers on the outside, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel, would be potential players on the move.
Aiyuk’s contract situation is still on hold, as he was a possible trade target before the draft. Samuel could also fit that description as he has been productive but injury-prone each season besides 2021. Aiyuk took a step forward but has been in the dog house before with Shanahan (in 2020 and 20201) despite a boom 2023 season following up a productive 2022 year.
San Francisco can’t likely keep both on long-term deals, as quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract is also up next year. It will be interesting to see how their receiving core shakes out by the time Week 1 rolls around this coming season.
About the Author
Previously wrote for Fansided NFL Mocks, Pro Football Network, uInterview/ uSports, the Daily Culture, and Ironiq Media. Recent Journalism/ Media Studies Grad and wrote for Impact News, the award-winning news publication of Mercy College, now Mercy University.
Now writing for Total Apex Sports about the NFL, NFL draft, and fantasy football, along with Total Apex E&G about movies, shows, anime, and gaming. You can follow me on Instagram @kimandrew1357 and Twitter (aka X) @kookykim1357.
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