Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jauan Jennings could be in line for a significant pay raise, thanks in part to some major NFL news over the weekend. Jennings, who just completed his fifth season with the San Francisco 49ers, is set to enter the 2025 season as one of the team’s top receiving options following the trade of Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
Jennings had a breakout year in 2024, hauling in 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns while stepping up in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk, who missed most of the season due to injury. The former Vols standout signed a two-year, $15.4 million extension before the 2024 season, but with Samuel gone and Jennings entering the final year of his contract, the 49ers may look to lock him up with another extension.
San Francisco clearly values Jennings, and last season proved he’s more than just a reliable blocker and third-down specialist (though “Third-and-Jauan” remains an elite nickname). While he’s not a speedster who burns defenders, Jennings is a gritty, hardworking receiver who excels at route-running and outmuscling defenders. He’s fearless in traffic and consistently gives maximum effort to make plays when the ball comes his way.
If Jennings were to hit free agency after the 2025 season, it would be fascinating to see what kind of market he’d command. However, the 49ers would be wise to avoid that scenario altogether. Jennings, who turns 28 in July, is still in his prime, and San Francisco should consider offering him a three- or four-year extension this offseason to secure his services for the foreseeable future.
Every team could use a player like Jennings, and there’s no reason for the 49ers to let him walk after 2025. If he has another standout season next year, his price tag will only rise. For the 49ers, extending Jennings now feels like a no-brainer. After all, few players in the NFL deserve a big payday more than Jennings.
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