Free Agent News: Jauan Jennings Visiting With Vikings
Jauan Jennings is visiting the Minnesota Vikings, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN, giving the free-agent wide receiver his first known meeting with a team nearly two months into an unexpectedly quiet offseason.
The visit comes after Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers could not agree on a long-term contract extension. San Francisco subsequently signed veteran Mike Evans and used its second-round pick in the 2026 draft on receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, signaling a clear shift away from Jennings.
His market has been cold despite back-to-back productive seasons. In 2025, Jennings caught 55 passes for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns in 15 games with San Francisco. He also set career bests in receptions and receiving yards during the 2024 season, hauling in 77 catches for 975 yards across 15 games. He has 15 receiving touchdowns over those two seasons combined.
Much of that production came with the 49ers operating short-handed at receiver. Brandon Aiyuk tore an ACL in 2024 and missed the entire 2025 season. Ricky Pearsall battled knee and ankle injuries throughout 2025. Those absences created opportunities that allowed Jennings to emerge as a reliable starter in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Teams appear skeptical that he can replicate those numbers outside of that system. Jennings, who will turn 29 this July, remains unsigned entering late April.
“His price point was believed to be misaligned with his value,” Pro Football Rumors reported.
If Minnesota does sign Jennings, the scheme familiarity could help. Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense carries structural similarities to San Francisco’s system, a factor that could ease the transition.
The role available in Minneapolis, however, would be limited. Justin Jefferson operates as the clear top option, and Jordan Addison is locked in as the No. 2 receiver. The departure of Jalen Nailor, who signed a three-year, $35 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, opened a slot at WR3, which is where Jennings would slot in.
Minnesota selected receiver Tai Felton in the third round of the 2025 draft but did not add a receiver in the 2026 draft. Jennings would provide a reliable, experienced presence behind a star-studded duo.
The 49ers drafted Jennings with the 217th overall pick out of Tennessee in 2020. He went largely unused in his first years with the team before steadily developing into a key contributor in Shanahan’s offense.
