San Francisco 49ers News
[the_ad id=”105842″]Updated 8-29: Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard reports that 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is seeking more than $20 million annually in a contract extension, and the team “appears unwilling to meet those demands.” “If you ask me what the dollars are, I would tell you, just from my opinion, that it’s not close. It’s not even close,” Kawakami added. Jennings does hold some leverage due to the team’s injury-depleted receiving group, with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) set to miss at least the first four games of the year. However, his leverage is diminishing with each passing day, and the possibility of him missing regular-season games further complicates matters. Jennings has been out for most of training camp due to a calf injury, but his contract dispute may be contributing to his limited practice participation. General manager John Lynch confirmed that Jennings has requested a trade, but the Niners have no intentions of moving him.
Jauan Jennings’ Week 1 Status in Question
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch provided an update on wide receiver Jauan Jennings, saying the team remains “hopeful that he is ready for Week 1.” Jennings has been nursing a calf injury that first surfaced earlier this offseason and flared up again in early August. While the 28-year-old hasn’t returned to practice, his absence isn’t solely medical — he’s also in the midst of contract extension discussions with the team.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed cautious optimism, noting, “I expect him to be back, he should be back from it. But you never know with a calf.” Calf injuries have a reputation for lingering, and the team is clearly taking a conservative approach. With the 49ers set to open the season on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the Seattle Seahawks, Jennings’ status remains one of the key storylines heading into Week 1.
A Shaky Receiver Room
The timing couldn’t be more challenging for San Francisco. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will begin the season on the PUP list, leaving a big hole at the top of the depth chart. If Jennings isn’t ready, the 49ers would be forced to lean heavily on Ricky Pearsall and other less proven options, potentially reshaping how the offense approaches its passing game early in the year.
Jennings’ physical style and reliability on third downs have made him an underrated weapon in Shanahan’s system.
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