Expert links former 49ers star to NFC West rival as best fit

Surprisingly, former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings remains available in free agency, continuing to wait for the right opportunity and a competitive contract.

Meanwhile, the 49ers appear to have moved on. San Francisco has reshaped its wide receiver room this offseason, adding Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, while also drafting De'Zhaun Stribling. The trio joins second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall, forming what appears to be an intriguing receiving group heading into the 2026 NFL season.

Despite that overhaul, NFL.com contributor Matt Okada still sees a scenario where a reunion could make sense—though it feels increasingly unlikely.

"With Brandon Aiyuk on his way out of San Francisco, it honestly makes sense for the 49ers to re-sign Jennings," Okada wrote.

At this stage, however, Jennings' projected market value likely puts him out of San Francisco's price range, making a return more just wishful thinking at this point.

Instead, Okada points to another option for the veteran wide receiver, one that would allow him to play for a team he is very familiar with: the Seattle Seahawks.

"Jaxon Smith-Njigba was incredible for the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks, but he shouldered a hefty 36 percent of Seattle's targets and 37 percent of its receptions, both figures counting as the highest by any player on any team in a season over the last decade," Okada wrote. "Mike Macdonald's squad needs a legitimate WR2. Perhaps a guy who wins contested catches and is a red-zone threat, who will also willingly contribute in the critical Seahawks run game, would suffice.

"If Jennings is down to sign for No. 2 money -- somewhere around the $22 million per year Spotrac has calculated as his market value -- he'd be an excellent fit for former teammate Sam Darnold and Co."

It would certainly be strange seeing Jennings suited up in a Seahawks uniform after spending his entire NFL career with the 49ers.

Another writer, Tyler Dragon of USA Today, believes the Philadelphia Eagles would be the best fit for Jennings.

"The Eagles appear poised to trade A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on or after June 1, when Brown's $40 million salary cap charge splits into two years," Dragon wrote. "DeVonta Smith is more than capable of being Philly's primary wideout, but he's best as a Z receiver. First-round pick Makai Lemon is an ideal fit in the slot. Jennings could be inserted as the Eagles' X receiver."

For now, Jennings remains on the open market. Whether he lands with an NFC West rival like Seattle or elsewhere like Philadelphia, the veteran receiver appears content to wait for the right situation—and the right offer.