Commanders could have new underrated free agent target after latest report shines light on his market
The Commanders could pursue 49ers WR Jauan Jennings in free agency after a report says he won’t be returning to San Francisco.
The Washington Commanders are expected to be busy this offseason, with a critical 2026 season ahead for head coach Dan Quinn.
The NFL free agency period is just three weeks away, with the tampering window opening on March 9th. The Commanders will have a top-5 salary cap heading into free agency, but also the most pending free agents. They’ll need to retain a handful of their own players, but also bring in top talent on the market.
The Commanders could have a new target that’s being severely overlooked, with reports saying that he’s not expected to return to his team.
San Francisco 49ers reporter doesn’t expect WR Jauan Jennings to return this offseason
The Commanders need to add more weapons for quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason, and everyone is talking about San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk with his connection to Daniels. Why not Jauan Jennings, who is a pending free agent and not expected to return to the 49ers, according to NBC Sports reporter Matt Maiocco.
“I don’t think that anything has changed in a year where both sides are just like ‘Oh my gosh, we can’t survive without each other, let’s bring him back,’ Maiocco says. “So let’s just say, I wouldn’t expect Jennings to be back with the 49ers.”
Should the Commanders sign Jauan Jennings as their WR target in free agency
This isn’t the best free agency class this offseason, especially at WR, so fans should be open-minded about who will really be on the market. It’s highly unlikely that George Pickens or Alec Pierce actually hit the market this offseason, so Jennings and Romeo Doubs could be the top two options.
Jennings is still just 28 years old and projected to receive a three-year, $50 million contract this offseason, according to PFF. He’s been a steady target for the 49ers over the last two seasons and had nine touchdowns in 2025, which was sixth-most in the NFL. Jennings also had only three drops this season and missed two games, even with some nagging injuries to start.
He’s well-known as a tough competitor who can fight through injuries, and even played with five broken ribs. Jennings used his 6-3, 212-pound frame to bring in 18 contested catches in 2025, which was fourth-most in the NFL, and just four less than Pickens.
The Commanders will have plenty of decisions to make this offseason, and general manager Adam Peters obviously knows Jennings very well from his time in San Francisco, making him a potential target in free agency.
Washington Commanders News
Commanders’ All-Pro defender is poised for a massive bounce-back season under Daronte Jones
Daronte Jones is excited to work with Commanders LB Frankie Luvu this season, aiming to bring out his best again after recent struggles.
