Just days before the San Francisco 49ers commence their 2025 season, wide receiver Jauan Jennings reached an agreement on a modified contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Jennings had missed a significant amount of training camp due to a calf injury and had previously sought a new deal, even requesting a trade earlier this offseason.
While the revised contract does not provide additional guaranteed funds, it offers Jennings the chance to earn an extra $3 million through playing time incentives, on top of his $7.5 million salary. Jennings opted against a multi-year extension amid contract negotiations, aiming for a larger payday in the upcoming offseason’s free agency market.
Selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jennings has progressively established himself within coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, culminating in a breakout performance last season with 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns. Prior to last season, he had not surpassed 35 catches or 416 yards in any single season.
Jennings has shown the desire for a raise and assured contract stability beyond the 2025 season, but a lingering calf issue has complicated matters. Before rejoining practice on Monday, Jennings was absent since July 27, leading to speculation that his contract situation might have contributed more to his absence than the injury itself. However, GM John Lynch maintained that calf injuries can be tricky.
“Both things can be true,” Lynch stated on August 27. “He wants a new contract and he’s got a hurt calf. I think people want to assume one or the other, but both things can be true.”
Lynch confirmed Jennings’ trade request but dismissed it. Despite the limited size of the 49ers receiver roster this summer, Jennings had some leverage during negotiations. With Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a torn ACL, Jennings and second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall are the designated starters for quarterback Brock Purdy.
In recent weeks, the 49ers enhanced their receiving options significantly, signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling after his release from the Seattle Seahawks and acquiring Skyy Moore from the Kansas City Chiefs via trade. Additionally, free agent signing Demarcus Robinson is set to miss the first four games of the season due to suspension.
Jennings participated in Wednesday’s practice in a limited capacity, but Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence that Jennings will play in Sunday’s opener against the Seahawks.
