BREAKING NEWS: Jauan Jennings Earns Contract Extension Talks After Carrying 49ers’ 2024 Wide Receiver Room
San Francisco, CA – May 27, 2025
After a breakout 2024 season that saw him emerge as the heartbeat of the San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver corps, Jauan Jennings is now firmly in the spotlight—not just for his on-field heroics, but for his well-earned bid at a lucrative contract extension.
Jennings, 26, stepped into a larger role amid injuries and inconsistency from key wideouts, including Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. With clutch catches, physical dominance, and leadership that held the unit together, Jennings became quarterback Brock Purdy’s most reliable target during critical moments of the season.
“He’s our glue guy,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan during exit interviews in January. “When we needed a first down, Jauan made it happen. When we needed energy, he brought it. That kind of player is rare—and incredibly valuable.”
Jennings finished the 2024 regular season with career highs in receptions (68), receiving yards (812), and touchdowns (6), while also leading the team in third-down conversions. His postseason performance was even more impressive—highlighted by a gritty 112-yard, two-touchdown performance in the NFC Championship that almost single-handedly kept the 49ers in the game.
Now entering the final year of his rookie deal, Jennings is no longer just a depth piece. He has proven himself a cornerstone of the offense, and league sources say extension talks are already underway. According to reports, Jennings is seeking a deal in the range of $10-12 million per year, a figure that places him in the tier of top-tier complementary receivers—a price many believe he’s more than earned.
Former 49ers WR and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice weighed in during a recent radio appearance: “Jauan has that fire, man. He’s got the hands, the toughness, the heart. You don’t let a guy like that walk out of your building.”
The 49ers, known for their disciplined cap management, face tough decisions with major contracts looming for Aiyuk and Purdy, but Jennings’ value extends beyond the stat sheet. Teammates call him the “locker room lion,” a relentless worker who sets the tone in practice and never backs down in games.
San Francisco’s front office now must decide: pay up for the heart and soul of the WR room—or risk losing a player who proved in 2024 that he’s built for big moments.
For Jennings and 49ers fans alike, one thing is clear: this is no longer a conversation about potential. It’s about reward—and retention.
Stay tuned for updates on contract talks as the 49ers look to solidify their roster heading into the 2025 season.