San Francisco 49ers show how much they value Jauan Jennings in essentially tying him down for 2024

Had the San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowl 58, Jauan Jennings would have had a good shot at being the MVP. Jennings threw a touchdown on a trick play and caught a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter of the 49ers' overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last month, the receiver who is known […]

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Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Had the San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowl 58, Jauan Jennings would have had a good shot at being the MVP.

Jennings threw a touchdown on a trick play and caught a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter of the 49ers' overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last month, the receiver who is known for his ability to come through in the clutch rising to the occasion on the biggest stage.

And the 49ers will get at least one more year of Jennings' ultra-reliable play in the most significant moments after tendering the restricted free agent at the second-round level.

It is an aggressive move by the Niners, one that essentially ensures he will be a member of their roster in 2024.

If another team signs Jennings to an offer sheet and the Niners do not match it, that team must give San Francisco a second-round pick to acquire his services.

Despite Jennings' dependability, the 49ers would likely be delighted to get another second-round pick. Jennings' numbers (963 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in three seasons) should dictate that no team will be prepared to part with such draft compensation to acquire him.

The second-round tender is worth $4.89 million, however, the 49ers may look to secure Jennings' services for the long term by signing him to an extension this offseason.

"Jauan is really important to what we do," said general manager John Lynch, per The San Francisco Chronicle, at the Combine. 

"I think he continues to show that. If the tender is the vehicle to keep him around for another year … I think we're also interested in extending him out. There may be an opportunity to do that. We'll just have to see where that goes and if we can come to an agreement there."

Jennings receives effusive praise despite being a role player in San Francisco's offense. Yet between his tremendous play on third downs and his consistently superb blocking, he holds more value to the 49ers than he would to most teams. That is reflected by the second-round tender, which will likely mean he will continue to serve as an irritant for opponents for one more year at the minimum.