The Pittsburgh Steelers added two new potential starting wide receivers this offseason. DK Metcalf will definitely start while fellow veteran Robert Woods could be the team’s No. 2 wideout. But could the Steelers add yet another receiver, such as San Francisco 49ers’ Jauan Jennings, who is seeking a new deal this summer?
Multiple Bleacher Report analysts see that as a possibility.
On Monday, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay proposed the Steelers send a 2026 third-round pick and wide receiver Calvin Austin III to the 49ers for Jennings.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers are going all-in on a Super Bowl run this season,” wrote Kay.
“With Aaron Rodgers signing a one-year deal with the organization and revealing he’s ‘pretty sure‘ 2025 will be his final NFL season, Pittsburgh has an extremely limited window to contend with the future Hall of Famer under center.
“One way the club can improve the chances of this season being a memorable one is by trading for another quality pass-catcher.”
Jennings broke out with his first 900-yard receiving season in 2024. But the veteran is on an expiring contract entering the 2025 campaign.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that Jennings either wants a new deal or to be traded this summer.
Spotrac predicted Jennings to be worth $38.1 million on a two-year extension.
Why 49ers WR Jauan Jennings Could Be on the Move
The 49ers have a contract dispute with a wide receiver for the second year in a row.
Last summer, the 49ers and receiver Brandon Aiyuk appeared to have a strained relationship. The two sides were unable to initially agree to a contract extension.
Ironically, in mid-August, the Steelers very nearly completed a trade for Aiyuk. But at the last moment, Aiyuk returned to the negotiating table for the 49ers. He then signed a four-year, $120 million extension.
Jennings isn’t set to have nearly as high of an extension. But it has to be a headache for the 49ers that they are again dealing with a receiver wanting a new deal or trade.
The 28-year-old wideout is entering the second year of a two-year, $11.89 million extension he signed with San Francisco last year.
Steelers Potential Destination for Jennings
Kay isn’t the only BR analyst to already link the Steelers to Jennings. On Wednesday, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder proposed the Steelers acquire the 49ers wideout.
“The Steelers should consider adding another receiver for Aaron Rodgers,” wrote Holder.
“Robert Woods is projected to be their No. 2 out wide, and Jennings is basically a younger and (at this stage in their careers) better version of Woods.
“It was reported recently that the current 49er is looking for a new contract or trade out of San Francisco as he’s coming off his best NFL season with 77 catches, 975 yards and six touchdowns, all of which were career highs.”
To land Jennings, though, the Steelers are probably going to have to offer a receiver in return. The 49ers will be without Aiyuk to begin the season as he recovers from a torn ACL he sustained last year.
If San Francisco parts with Jennings for only draft picks, the team will have a significant hole at receiver.
But the Steelers won’t need Austin as badly if they acquire Jennings. Austin is set to contribute in the slot again this season, but Woods or 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson could fulfill that role for Pittsburgh.
Austin also had a breakout campaign, though, in 2024, with 36 catches, 548 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 15.2 yards per catch.
Austin would be an appealing option for the 49ers because he’s still on an affordable rookie deal. But it’s worth wondering if the Steelers would be willing to give up on him for another older receiver in need of a more expensive contract.
