Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was notably absent from the San Francisco 49ers’ organized team activities (OTAs) last week, sparking speculation about his future with the team. While the 49ers have not offered any official explanation for his absence, it’s reasonable to speculate that the heart of the issue could be Jennings’ desire for a new contract—a desire that, so far, hasn’t been met with an offer from the team.
Jennings finds himself in a bit of a contractual limbo, with the 49ers placing a second-round tender on him as a restricted free-agent. This move ensures a one-year deal worth nearly $5 million should he choose to sign it—a generous offer for a player who only started two games and recorded 19 receptions last season. Despite this, it seems Jennings and the team have not reached an agreement, signaling that while the 49ers see value in him, they are hesitant to commit to a long-term deal.
At the core of this hesitation may be the 49ers’ offensive strategy, which does not heavily rely on a no. 3 receiver. With stars like Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and Kyle Juszczyk commanding the majority of the offensive snaps, opportunities for Jennings appear limited. This roster composition makes it challenging for the 49ers to justify a market-rate contract for Jennings, given his expected role.
However, a contract extension could be a mutually beneficial solution. Such a deal could lower Jennings’ cap hit for the upcoming season, making him a more affordable option for the 49ers. This approach was successfully used when the team extended offensive lineman Colton McKivitz’s contract earlier this offseason, proving there’s a precedent for reworking contracts in a way that benefits both player and team.
Yet, there’s a possibility Jennings may be looking for a fresh start elsewhere, aiming to find a team where he has a clear path to a more prominent role in the offense—something the 49ers might not be able to offer, especially after drafting another wide receiver in the first round of the recent NFL draft.
As we await to see whether Jennings will make an appearance at this week’s OTAs, the narrative surrounding his absence continues to unfold. Whether this situation leads to a contract extension, a trade, or continued holdout will be a developing story to watch in the coming days.