There are still a lot of moving parts here. But yes, the idea of Jauan Jennings eventually moving on from the 49ers seems to be inching toward a reality.
If all involved had their way, Jauan Jennings would be the next man up and would be signed to a fine extension with the San Francisco 49ers.
Instead, there are questions about his long-term future here even as he is coming off a career season during which he had 77 catches for 975 yards and six TDs in 15 games ... all big step-up numbers as so many of the team's stars were unavailable to help.
Is he a $15 million per year receiver? We can make that argument.
Are the 49ers limited cap-wise and are therefore waiting to make that move - maybe to the point where he hits 2026 free agency and a Niners bid is too late?
That argument is being made as well.
"I'm guessing the 49ers would love to extend Jennings, but probably feel they can't afford him after foolishly giving (Brandon) Aiyuk a four-year, $120 million extension last year," SI's Grant Cohn writes. "Jennings most likely will command at least $15 million per season, which is not an insignificant amount."
The 49ers did do their work in getting Deebo Samuel off the books, trading him to the Washington Commanders. And they jettisoned other contracts as well.
Meanwhile, they did sign up Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Fred Warner, paying each of them top-of-the-market contracts at their respective positions.
Maybe, going forward, they find a way to move on from the pricy (and moody) Aiyuk, but given his injury status - he is unlikely to start the year healthy - teams are surely not beating down that door.
There are still a lot of moving parts here. But yes, the idea of Jauan eventually moving on from the 49ers seems to be inching toward a reality.
