Fans are thrilled to see Jauan Jennings, the San Francisco 49ers' dynamic and spirited wide receiver, locked in for at least the next two seasons. The team has signed him to a contract extension worth up to $15.39 million over the next two years.
"I think every single person in NFL that watches tape, every general manager, every scout, anybody that watches tape, they look at Jauan's film, they're like, 'Holy cow, this guy is one of one,'" tight end George Kittle said last week. "His mindset and his attitude when he's on a football field is completely different. ... He just is very violent in the way that he plays the game, which you don't see in all receivers."
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer recently lauded the move, calling it his under-the-radar signing of the week. While Breer mistakenly noted that Jennings signed his tendered one-year offer of $4.89 million, his point that the deal didn't need to happen is accurate.
With the deadline for other teams to sign him to an offer sheet long past, Jennings had limited options other than playing out the 2024 season with the 49ers. The team, however, worked in good faith to ensure their young receiver remained happy with his situation.
Breer highlights that Jennings gets to earn heftier paychecks over the next two seasons and is still set to become a free agent in 2026 at the age of 28. This situation presents a win-win for both sides.
"The team, meanwhile, now has Deebo Samuel, Ricky Pearsall, and Jennings under contract for the next two years after entering the season with only Samuel locked up past 2024," Breer continued. "That gives the Niners some flexibility as they negotiate with Brandon Aiyuk—either to eventually part ways with him (and I don't think they want to), or perhaps trade Samuel if they can reach an extension with Aiyuk.
"Either way, the immediate concern they had coming into the offseason has been managed, for now, and Jennings really flashed some ability in his third year, and came through for the Niners in a pretty big way in the Super Bowl with four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown."
Jennings also threw a touchdown pass in that game. Impressively, including postseason action, 20 of Jennings' 29 receptions last season resulted in first downs, proving his reliability as a chain-mover.
Tom Blair of NFL Media recently named Jennings the 49ers' most underappreciated player, praising his effort in the Super Bowl.
Blair added, "Jennings is far from the most famous Niners receiver, though, easily ranking behind Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and probably even rookie Ricky Pearsall in name recognition -- except for among those who thrill to clips of receivers blocking, which, let's be honest, should be everyone. When you're a third or fourth receiver who earns praise from George Kittle (George Kittle!) for your lack of fear, you belong on this list."