San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings suffered a calf injury during Sunday's practice—the same issue that sidelined him late in the offseason program. Before the setback, the veteran had been a full participant in every training camp session, a positive sign given his contract uncertainty heading into the 2025 season.
Jennings is entering the final year of the two-year deal he signed in 2024 and is seeking a new agreement. Last season, he stepped up in a major way after Brandon Aiyuk suffered a knee injury, delivering career-best numbers with 77 receptions, 975 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
With Aiyuk still recovering and Deebo Samuel now with the Washington Commanders, Jennings is projected to take on an even larger role in the 49ers' offense. Naturally, the veteran wants his salary to reflect his new status as a starting receiver.
"You guys know our feelings on J.J.," general manager John Lynch said last week. "He embodies what we think a Niner is all about—plays the right way. We love him, and I think 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."
While ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Jennings would seek a trade if a new deal isn't reached, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the wideout has not formally requested one yet.
Bleacher Report's Matt Holder predicted how the situation could unfold, projecting that the 49ers will ultimately sign Jennings to a two-year extension:
"The amount here will be interesting since the wideout's demands haven't been made public," Holder wrote. "But the fact that he's willing to practice and hasn't formally asked for a trade suggests he's not looking for an unreasonable number.
"Meanwhile, the 49ers are an organization that typically takes care of its own, and Lynch has already expressed gratitude for Jennings via the quote above. So, it seems like a middle ground should be easy to find in this situation, and tacking on a couple of years to the receiver's deal will give him the security he's looking for."
Jennings and the 49ers are eager to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 season, and securing the veteran receiver with a new deal would ensure quarterback Brock Purdy keeps one of his most reliable targets in place.