Should the 49ers Give Jauan Jennings a Contract Extension?

Jauan Jennings: The Unsung Hero of the 49ers’ Offense

While the San Francisco 49ers are focused on securing the futures of stars like Brock Purdy and George Kittle, another key player is approaching the final year of his contract—Jauan Jennings. The wide receiver, often overshadowed by bigger names, has quietly become one of the most reliable playmakers on the team. But should the 49ers extend his contract now, or risk losing him to another team?

How Important is Jennings to the 49ers’ Offense?

Jennings has proven himself as more than just a role player. Initially known as a physical slot receiver, he stepped up in a major way when Brandon Aiyuk suffered a knee injury in 2024. As the starting X receiver, Jennings flourished, recording 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 14th-best receiver in the league, a testament to his growing impact.

Beyond the numbers, Jennings has developed a reputation for making tough, contested catches in clutch moments. His presence was especially felt in the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was arguably the team’s most effective wideout. With Deebo Samuel and Aiyuk commanding most of the attention, Jennings has carved out a niche as a dependable and physical target.

Should the 49ers Extend Jennings Now?

Given his production and value to the team, locking up Jennings on a team-friendly extension before the 2025 season could be a wise move. If the 49ers wait and he delivers another Pro Bowl-caliber performance, his price tag will skyrocket, making it much harder to keep him under the salary cap.

Additionally, Jennings’ skill set aligns well with what the 49ers need. He’s not the fastest receiver, but his blocking ability and toughness make him invaluable in the run game and on short-yardage passing downs. These intangibles don’t always show up on the stat sheet but are crucial to San Francisco’s offensive success.

What Happens if the 49ers Wait?

If the 49ers decide to hold off on an extension, they risk losing Jennings in free agency. His skill set would be highly coveted by receiver-needy teams, especially those looking for a reliable slot presence. The Los Angeles Rams, for example, could be a perfect fit given their offensive scheme and need for a physical, contested-catch specialist.

There’s also the financial aspect. With Purdy and Kittle both due for extensions, as well as potential future deals for Aiyuk and Samuel, the 49ers will have to carefully manage their cap space. Jennings’ market value could exceed what San Francisco is willing to pay, forcing the team to make a difficult decision.

Final Verdict: Extend or Let Him Walk?

The best course of action for the 49ers would be to extend Jennings now while his price is still manageable. He has already demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and his skill set perfectly complements the team’s offensive philosophy.

If San Francisco waits too long, they could lose a key piece of their offense to a competitor. The 49ers have an opportunity to secure one of their most underrated assets before his value skyrockets—will they take it, or will they risk watching him thrive in another uniform?