The offseason around the Bay has taken an unexpected turn. Veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings, coming off a career-best 2024 season, is now seeking either a new contract or a trade before training camp kicks off. Reports indicate that Jennings, set to earn $7.5 million in the final year of his deal, believes his breakout performance has earned him a significant pay bump.
Jennings, who was originally a seventh-round pick in 2020, has developed into a clutch third-down option for the 49ers, earning the nickname “3rd-and-Jauan.” Last season, he put up career highs with 77 catches, 975 yards, and six touchdowns, coming just shy of the 1,000-yard mark before being ejected in the final game. That production has vaulted him into conversations about top-tier wide receiver money.
According to insiders, Jennings has already approached the front office about an extension. So far, there’s been little traction. While he isn’t threatening a holdout, it’s clear he’ll formally request a trade if a deal isn’t reached by the start of training camp. This quiet but firm stance mirrors what the 49ers have dealt with before, most notably in Brandon Aiyuk’s negotiations last year.
Several teams are reportedly circling, keeping tabs on Jennings’ situation. Analysts have pointed to the Raiders, Steelers, and Commanders as logical landing spots, given Jennings’ size, his ability to win contested catches, and his knack for finding the end zone. These teams see him as a receiver who could immediately elevate their passing attacks.
Meanwhile, for the 49ers, the idea of trading such a productive weapon isn’t only about locker-room harmony — it’s also about managing the cap. With Deebo Samuel traded last season and Aiyuk still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, tying up more money in another wideout could strain future flexibility. It’s a tough call for a team still loaded with championship aspirations.
On the other side of the ball, San Francisco’s pass rush is under heavy scrutiny heading into 2025. The departures of key veterans like Leonard Floyd, Javon Hargrave, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward have left noticeable gaps. The 49ers’ defensive identity will hinge on how well new additions and young players step up to fill those holes.
Rookie first-round pick Mykel Williams, a standout EDGE from Georgia, is expected to pair with Nick Bosa to give the 49ers a fierce one-two punch. Early training videos have already shown Williams displaying explosive burst and bend, something this defense desperately needs to get back to its dominant roots.
Even so, experts continue to rank edge depth and overall defensive line play as the most critical factor for San Francisco in 2025. That’s why reallocating money — potentially from a Jennings extension to reinforcing the pass rush — makes strategic sense. The team’s front office is under pressure to ensure they stay strong in the trenches where games are often won and lost.
As for Jennings, his approach so far has been measured. He plans to report to camp even without a new deal, hoping to keep things professional while still making it clear he values what he’s brought to the team. It’s the kind of quiet confidence that’s made him a fan favorite. Whether he stays or becomes a trade chip, his story will be one of the key threads to follow this season as the 49ers try to keep their Super Bowl window wide open.
