Jauan Jennings is entering the final year of his two-year, $15.3 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers selected the 28-year-old wide receiver in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he is now seeking a second extension to remain in the Bay Area.
Jennings reportedly wants a new contract or a trade, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
San Francisco has handed out contract extensions to its core veterans this offseason. Linebacker Fred Warner landed a three-year, $63 million contract extension including $56 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy also signed multi-year extensions this offseason. Kittle became the highest-paid tight end in the league with his deal.
Will the veteran receiver become the next piece to secure an extension, or will he be traded?
Last offseason, Brandon Aiyuk faced a similar scenario with the team, which ultimately led to an extension in late August.
Jennings’ production was excellent last season when he stepped into a significant role with the offense riddled with injuries. He recorded career highs in receptions (77), yards (975) and touchdowns (6). He graded as Pro Football Focus’ 18th wide receiver among 223 qualifiers.
The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel this offseason and Aiyuk’s return date from a knee injury is uncertain; the Niners would be very thin at the position if they opted to move Jennings.
However, given his breakout season and playoff experience, several teams around the NFL could consider bringing the Tennessee product into the mix. Here’s a look at the top landing spots if the 49ers decide to move Jennings.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are rebuilding after hiring Pete Carroll and trading for Geno Smith. It won’t be easy to contend in the AFC West in 2025, but they could challenge for a playoff spot. Carroll has notoriously leaned on the ground game and Las Vegas is primed to do so after selecting Ashton Jeanty sixth overall. Kyle Shanahan has lauded Jennings’ ability to block.
Among receivers with at least 200 snaps on run plays in 2024, Jennings ranked No. 1 in blocking per Pro Football Focus.
Tight end Brock Bowers is expected to lead the team in targets while Jakobi Meyers operates out of the slot. Las Vegas could excel by adding a perimeter receiver like Jennings to pair with second-round rookie Jack Bech.
New York Jets
There may not be another team looking to run the ball more than the Jets in 2025. New head coach Aaron Glenn, a defensive specialist, brought Tanner Engstrand with him from the Motor City to the Big Apple to serve as his offensive coordinator. They had a front row seat during their time in Detroit to watch the benefits of a dynamic run game. With Justin Fields under center, the offense could thrive with an outstanding run-blocking receiver like Jennings.
The Jets have a couple of veterans on the roster in Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds, but they could use a higher-ceiling player like Jennings to add upside to the room. Garrett Wilson is an elite receiver and can strengthen his impact with another weapon on the field.
Tennessee Titans
A homecoming? Cam Ward could use additional weapons on offense. The team lacks athletic playmakers outside of Calvin Ridley, who accounted for 49.2% of the Titans’ air yards, the highest team share of any player in the NFL. Tennessee signed Tyler Lockett in free agency but he will turn 33 in September.
It’s also worth noting that new general manager Mike Borgonzi was not a part of the front office that traded for Ridley. That could lead Tennessee to search for another veteran upgrade as it looks to support Ward during his rookie season. Jennings played five college seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers and attended high school in Murfreesboro, which is roughly 35 miles from where the Titans play.
Denver Broncos
Sean Payton is always searching for ways to add wrinkles to his offense. Jennings can help create mismatches across the field by lining up in various formations alongside tight end Evan Engram and top wideout Courtland Sutton.
Like Ridley in Tennessee, Sutton dominated the team’s air yard share at 49%. Denver could use another trustworthy pass catcher.
The Broncos also have one of the league’s best gadget players in Marvin Mims Jr. but the receiver room is thin behind him. Denver is looking to make the next step and contend in the AFC playoff picture in 2025 with Bo Nix. The addition of Jennings would provide the team with another veteran with playoff experience.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ offense has question marks all over it. There’s a four-man quarterback competition heading into training camp between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Cleveland’s second-round pick, running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested on July 12. The receiver room consists of Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and much-maligned Diontae Johnson.
The lack of depth at receiver is concerning. Tillman flashed in four healthy games after Amari Cooper was traded but he missed the final six games of the season due to a concussion. Meanwhile, Johnson signed as a free agent after he bounced around between three teams in 2024. Whoever ends up under center could benefit from the services of Jennings in what appears to be an offense in need of playmakers.
