49ers sweeten Jauan Jennings' contract with new incentives

Jennings opened training camp with the 49ers but was sidelined by a lingering calf injury. He returned to the practice field on Monday and has been a limited participant throughout the week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Wednesday that the 49ers expect Jennings to suit up for their Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

"Once Jauan Jennings got healthy and began recovering from his calf injury, negotiations with the 49ers picked up and resulted in an agreement," Schefter noted on social media.

In July, Schefter reported that Jennings was unhappy with his contract situation heading into the training camp and planned to request a trade if a new agreement wasn't reached. Last week, general manager John Lynch revealed that Jennings had asked for a trade, but the 49ers had no intention of honoring that request.

"A while ago, he did (ask to be traded), but that was a long time ago, and we've moved on from that," Lynch said.

Jennings is entering the final year of the two-year deal he signed in 2024, back when he was the team's No. 3 receiver behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. However, the 49ers' wide receiver room has undergone significant changes since then. The team traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders in March, and Aiyuk remains sidelined as he continues to recover from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in October 2024. That left Jennings as the de facto WR1 heading into Week 1.

Speaking to reporters at the start of training camp, general manager John Lynch praised Jennings, stating, "He embodies what we think a Niner is all about—plays the right way."

Jennings poised to lead 49ers receiving corps

Jennings is coming off a career-best 2024 campaign in which he hauled in 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns across 15 games (10 starts). That single-season total surpassed his combined yardage from his first three years in the league, underscoring the critical role he played in Aiyuk's absence.

The 49ers are counting on Jennings to continue playing strongly as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2024.

Second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall is expected to start opposite Jennings in Week 1. The team also added veteran Demarcus Robinson in free agency. However, the NFL has suspended him for the first three games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Injuries led the team to trade for Kansas City Chiefs wideout Skyy Moore. Second-year receiver Jacob Cowing will miss time after suffering a torn hamstring, and rookie Jordan Watkins is working his way back from a high-ankle sprain.

With new incentives in place, Jennings can boost his 2025 earnings while positioning himself for a major payday in 2026.