Jauan Jennings Seeks New Deal or Trade Ahead of 2024 Season

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings of the San Francisco 49ers is reportedly seeking a new contract or a trade ahead of the upcoming NFL season. Scheduled to earn $7.5 million in the final year of his current deal, Jennings has approached the team about his request, but progress has been limited, according to sources cited by ESPN.

This situation marks the second consecutive summer where a 49ers receiver has expressed dissatisfaction with their contract, following Brandon Aiyuk‘s similar scenario last year. With training camp set to begin next week, Jennings is expected to request a trade if his contract demands are not met.

Jennings is entering the last year of a two-year, $15.39 million extension he signed last offseason. By entering the 2025 season, he is projected to count $4.258 million against the salary cap. While he does not plan to hold out during training camp, his discontent could mirror the situation with Aiyuk last year, when Aiyuk also expressed frustration despite ultimately remaining with the team.

In the previous season, Jennings had a breakout performance, achieving career highs with 77 receptions, 975 yards, and 6 touchdowns. His efficiency is evident in his ranking of 10th in yards per route run at 2.51, along with a commendable record of just one drop. Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers’ head coach, has recognized Jennings for his exceptional blocking skills, further highlighting his value to the team.

Jennings appears to be following a trend similar to that of tight end Jonnu Smith, who recently requested a new deal from the Miami Dolphins. When the Dolphins did not accommodate his request, Smith sought a trade and was subsequently dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he signed a one-year extension worth $12 million.

As Jennings navigates this pivotal moment in his career, the 49ers will need to weigh their options carefully. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for both Jennings and the team as they prepare for the 2024 NFL season.