49ers' Jauan Jennings Seeks New Contract or Potential Trade

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has formally expressed his desire for a new contract or a trade as he approaches the final year of his current deal, which is valued at $7.5 million. This development, reported on July 14, 2025, by ESPN's Adam Schefter, highlights a pattern emerging within the 49ers' roster concerning player contract negotiations, particularly among their wide receivers.

In the previous summer, the 49ers faced a similar situation with receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who sought a new deal amid contractual discussions. The current situation with Jennings serves as a continuation of this trend, indicating potential unrest within the team's receiving corps. According to a source close to Jennings, the receiver has made his request known to the 49ers, but progress towards a new agreement has been minimal.

As training camp approaches, Jennings plans to request a trade if an agreement is not reached. He is currently scheduled to count $4.258 million against the salary cap in the final year of the two-year, $15.39 million extension he signed last offseason. While Jennings is not expected to hold out during training camp, the lack of resolution is likely to affect his morale, reminiscent of last year’s situation with Aiyuk, who is recovering from a torn ACL and is set to earn nearly $25 million this season under his extension signed in August 2024.

Despite the contract disputes, Jennings had a breakout season in 2024, achieving career highs with 77 receptions, 975 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. His performance ranked him 10th in yards per route run at 2.51, with only one drop throughout the season. Coach Kyle Shanahan has praised Jennings for his blocking ability, reinforcing his value to the team beyond just receiving metrics.

The 49ers organization believes that they have treated Jennings fairly in contract discussions, according to internal sources. However, Jennings' current stance mirrors that of tight end Jonnu Smith, who sought a new deal from the Miami Dolphins and subsequently requested a trade, resulting in a one-year, $12 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The complexity of Jennings' situation reflects broader economic trends within the National Football League (NFL), where players often seek renegotiations, especially after successful seasons. As teams navigate the challenges of salary cap constraints and player satisfaction, the 49ers must decide whether to accommodate Jennings' requests or risk losing a key asset in their offensive lineup.

The implications of Jennings' request extend beyond individual player dynamics, potentially affecting team cohesion and performance as the 49ers prepare for the upcoming season. This situation underscores the necessity for the organization to balance financial prudence with the need to maintain a motivated and high-performing roster as they aim for success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.