‘I think it’s going to get a whole lot uglier before it gets resolved’ – Former Vols WR Jauan Jennings is caught up in some drama
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jauan Jennings is caught up in some drama ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Jennings, who is entering the final season of the two-year extension he signed with the San Francisco 49ers last year, wants a new contract. The 49ers, however, don’t think the timing is right for an extension. […]
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jauan Jennings is caught up in some drama ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Jennings, who is entering the final season of the two-year extension he signed with the San Francisco 49ers last year, wants a new contract.
The 49ers, however, don’t think the timing is right for an extension.
“I checked around, and my understanding is that the 49ers feel that the timing is all wrong,” wrote The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakamie this week. “They don’t want to give Jennings a big new deal so soon after he signed the last one, a year after giving Brandon Aiyuk a huge contract that the 49ers’ money people almost instantly regretted, and months after signing Brock Purdy to a $265 million deal.”
KNBR’s Larry Krueger, a longtime Bay Area sports analyst, suggested that fans should “buckle up” and prepare for some “action” with Jennings’ contract situation.
“They love him, but they don’t want to extend him, and nor should they,” said Krueger. “I mean, let’s be real about this — Jauan Jennings is probably the 40th best receiver in pro football, and he’s being paid like the 42nd best receiver in pro football. He signed the contract last year. So you know what? Play. Play or don’t show up. But I mean, you’re not getting an extension, because you probably don’t deserve an extension.
“He never had even 500 yards in a season before last year. The two previous years before last year, he had two total touchdowns. So I don’t think he’s getting an extension. It doesn’t sound like he’s getting an extension. Now, the question is, how does he react to the fact that he’s not getting an extension? Does he demand out? Does he demand to be traded? I would say, you know, buckle your seatbelts and get ready for some some action here — because I think it’s going to get a whole lot uglier before it gets resolved. I don’t see a resolution here.”
Jennings hasn’t been practicing lately as he’s dealing with a calf injury. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters this past week that Jennings’ absence from practice isn’t related to his contract situation (some fans and analysts aren’t so sure about that).
It’s a tough spot for Jennings to be in. He’s 28 years old and his value is the highest it’s ever been. This is the perfect time for the former Vol to cash in with a big extension. In fact, it might be the only chance he has to maximize his earnings.
I think Jennings ultimately just wants to play — it’s who he is as a competitor. But business is business. Jennings is a key player for the 49ers and he’s been routinely praised by his superstar teammates. He’s a guy that everyone in the building wants to see stay in San Francisco.
Contrary to Larry Krueger’s comments, I believe Jennings deserves to be paid. He may not light up the stat sheet every week, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a wide receiver that has a bigger impact on Sundays.
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