49ers Star Jennings Seeks New Contract or Trade: What’s Next for the Promising Receiver?

Jauan Jennings, a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, is pushing for a new contract or a trade as he enters the final year of his current deal, which is worth $7.5 million. This isn’t the first time the 49ers have faced such a situation with one of their receivers. Last summer, Brandon Aiyuk also sought a pay increase or a deal elsewhere.

Jennings has approached the team, but negotiations are moving slowly. If they can’t reach an agreement before training camp starts next week, he plans to ask for a trade to a team that will meet his salary needs.

As it stands, Jennings is set to have a cap hit of about $4.258 million in the final year of the two-year, $15.39 million extension he signed last offseason. While he’s not expected to be absent from training camp, his discontent could spill over, similar to Aiyuk’s situation last year.

Aiyuk is recovering from a torn ACL and is due nearly $25 million under his extension. The 49ers believe they have been fair to Jennings, but he still seeks either a new deal or a trade.

Last season was a high point for Jennings, with career bests of 77 receptions, 975 yards, and six touchdowns. He was also ranked 10th in yards per route run and had only one drop. Coach Kyle Shanahan praises him as one of the best blocking wide receivers in the league.

Jennings is not alone in his approach. Tight end Jonnu Smith recently did something similar when he requested a new deal from the Miami Dolphins. When they didn’t meet his demands, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he signed a one-year extension worth $12 million.

This trend of players seeking better contracts is becoming more common in the NFL, especially as the league’s revenue continues to grow. According to a recent report by Statista, the NFL’s revenue exceeded $18 billion in 2022. As player salaries rise, athletes are feeling empowered to advocate for themselves, pushing for contracts that reflect their performance and market value.

As the situation evolves, it will be interesting to see how the 49ers address Jennings’ request and how this will impact team dynamics moving forward.



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