San Francisco faces second straight summer WR standoff as Jennings looks for bigger payday—or a new home
💰 Déjà Vu in San Francisco: Another WR Wants Out or Paid Up
Just a week before NFL training camps kick off, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves dealing with a now-familiar scenario: a top wide receiver wants a new deal or a ticket out.
This time, it’s Jauan Jennings, coming off a breakout season, who’s telling the 49ers it’s either “pay me or trade me.”
Multiple sources confirmed Monday that Jennings has approached the team requesting a restructured contract, and if that doesn’t materialize quickly, he’s ready to request a trade to a team willing to pay him his worth.
📈 Jennings’ 2024 Performance: Stats That Warrant a Raise?
Career Year Demands Career Money
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Receptions: 77
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Yards: 975
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Touchdowns: 6
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Yards per route run: 2.51 (10th among WRs)
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Drops: Just one all season
Jennings didn’t just flash in 2024—he produced. And with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined due to ACL rehab, Jennings stepped up as Brock Purdy’s most dependable target.
Coach Kyle Shanahan has repeatedly praised Jennings as one of the best blocking wide receivers in the league, a trait that adds even more value in his run-first offensive scheme.
“He does all the dirty work, runs every route like it matters, and plays bigger than his paycheck,” said a team source familiar with the wide receiver room.
📅 Timeline: What Happens If 49ers Don’t Budge?
Jennings has one year left on his current deal—a two-year, $15.39 million extension signed last offseason. He’s scheduled to earn $7.5 million in 2025, with a $4.258 million cap hit.
So far, the 49ers have not made progress on a new deal, according to sources. Jennings is not expected to hold out, but insiders say he won’t be a “happy camper” when training begins if no progress is made.
If a deal isn’t reached, expect a formal trade request before the start of preseason.
🔁 Shades of Aiyuk: A Pattern Emerging?
One WR dispute fades, another begins
This summer’s situation echoes last year’s drama with Brandon Aiyuk, who also pushed for an extension before eventually signing a lucrative deal.
The difference?
Aiyuk’s numbers were elite—and he got paid. But now with Aiyuk recovering from injury, Jennings has a strong case to step up financially and on the depth chart.
“It’s starting to feel like a revolving door,” said one anonymous NFC exec. “San Francisco builds these guys up, and by year three or four, they want top-tier cash. Who can blame them?”
📦 What Could a Trade Look Like?
If Jennings is made available, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, or New York Jets could make moves—especially if they need a veteran WR2 with blocking skills and low drop rate.
His current price tag—around $7.5 million—is relatively modest for a near-1,000-yard producer.
Interestingly, Jennings is said to be following the model of tight end Jonnu Smith, who requested a new deal from the Dolphins earlier this offseason, then was traded to the Steelers, where he signed a 1-year, $12 million deal.
💬 What the 49ers Are Thinking
Internally, San Francisco believes it has treated Jennings fairly, especially considering the extension offered last year. The team is also navigating a tricky cap situation with stars like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and Fred Warner already on high-end contracts.
With Aiyuk’s ACL recovery still ongoing, the 49ers may hesitate to lose another key pass catcher—even one that’s unhappy.
🔮 What’s Next?
The 49ers open training camp next week, and while Jennings is expected to report, the cloud of contract tension will likely hang over Santa Clara.
Whether this turns into a real holdout or a quiet standoff depends on how far apart the two sides truly are—and how bold Jennings is willing to be.
NewsCoper will continue tracking updates from inside 49ers camp. Stay tuned for potential trade chatter or surprise contract negotiations.
Want a follow-up trade tracker article or a “Best Landing Spots for Jennings” breakdown next? Let me know — I’ve got your NFL desk covered! 🏈