Once again, the San Francisco 49ers face contract drama ahead of a new season. Training camp opens this week for all 32 teams, but right as the 49ers get ready to take the field to begin preparing for the 2025 campaign, wide receiver Jauan Jennings gave the team an ultimatum– a new contract or a trade. Coming off of the best season of his career in 2024, Jennings wants a salary that is closer to top receiver money.
Contract drama has become almost customary in San Francisco, with Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams holding out of camp for new contracts last season, and Nick Bosa wanting a new deal the year before. But this time around, the 49ers cannot afford to have any problems with Jennings- given how thin they are at the receiver position. But former 49ers star, Richard Sherman, urged the 49ers to end the standoff for a different reason– his outstanding play from last season.
Sherman’s Comments
Jennings stepped up in a massive way last season and established himself as a potential No. 1 receiving option in San Francisco, catching 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games (10 starts)– all career highs. Set to make around $7.7 million on his current deal, Jennings believes he is worth more than that. Sherman feels the same way, believing that Jennings’ strong play should get him what he deserves.
“Jauan deserves what he deserves,” Sherman said. “He had almost 1,000 yards last year. Seventy-seven catches—just did a great job. Does a great job separating, doing all the dirty work—run blocking, pass blocking. Whatever needs to be done, he’s willing to do.”
Trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders this offseason, and Aiyuk still recovering from a torn ACL, Jennings has the stronghold on the No. 1 receiver spot to start the season, which could potentially give him even more leverage in any contract negotiations that take place.
Jennings Reports to Camp
Even through the contract situation, Jennings reportedly showed up for the start of 49ers’ training camp, and not only that, he has not requested a trade and the team fully expects him to be on the field when practices begin.
“I won’t speak for Jauan, but had a good visit with him,” 49ers general manager, John Lynch, said on July 22. “[We] anticipate him being out there. You guys know our feelings on JJ. He embodies what we think a Niner is all about, plays the right way and we love him … All that stuff, we’re not going to get into the contract talks and all that. That takes care of itself, but we love him and he’s here.”
The 49ers need Jennings now more than ever if they want to make their hopes of a resurgent season come true. Finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the 49ers experienced major roster turnover that included trading Samuel and with Aiyuk’s return still TBD, the depth behind Jennings is much thinner than anticipated. If the 49ers can get something done and get Jennings focusing solely on football again, they may be able to salvage their otherwise depleted receiving core.
