One way or another, 49ers-Jennings drama is nearing an update

The contract standoff between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Jauan Jennings is nearing its conclusion—not because the two sides are close to a deal, but because the 2025 NFL season kicks off soon. One way or another, the contract saga will likely see an update in the coming days.

Jennings is entering the final year of the two-year deal he signed in 2024, and with an expanded role expected in 2025, he is seeking a significant pay increase. Tim Kawakami recently reported that Jennings—at some point—was pursuing a deal that could pay him north of $20 million annually.

"It's above 20 (million dollars annually), is what I've heard, and maybe a lot above 20 a year, to put him in the top 20 or so of receivers, in that realm," Kawakami said in a radio interview.

If the deal hits the lower end of that range, it aligns with the money earned by receivers like Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs. While Jennings could be the 49ers' WR1 heading into the season, that designation is largely circumstantial. Brandon Aiyuk, the team's high-paid receiver from last year, is still recovering from a significant knee injury.

The 49ers want Jennings active in the lineup, especially paired with second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall to help quarterback Brock Purdy against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7. Without Jennings, the passing game would rely heavily on Pearsall and whichever healthy bodies they can throw into the lineup. However, the team likely hesitates to commit such a large salary to another wideout after reportedly regretting last year's deal with Aiyuk (per Kawakami).

Jennings' absence from most of training camp with a lingering calf injury has further complicated the situation. Even if he returns this week, he has missed valuable time to build chemistry with Purdy before the season opener. Some speculate the injury and contract standoff may be linked, suggesting Jennings could miraculously recover if he secures the pay raise he seeks.

"But everything I've heard is that he wants a lot, and the 49ers are offering very little," Kawakami added.

The 49ers are standing firm, uncertain whether Jennings fits into their long-term plans—especially after dealing with his contract for two consecutive years. While they want him on the roster for 2025, questions remain about his role afterward. The team values Pearsall, expects Aiyuk back, and has invested in younger talent with Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins—both currently sidelined.

While Jennings views himself as a WR1, the 49ers might see him closer to a third option on the depth chart—a position that doesn't command a $20 million-plus salary.

Fans have also questioned the reported demands, viewing $20 million-plus for Jennings as a steep asking price considering the production. Jennings is a fan-favorite, but The Faithful are growing tired of the annual contract drama.

A resolution seems imminent, but the path remains uncertain. Could Jennings miss time to pressure the 49ers? Might the team place him on injured reserve due to the calf injury or—if he is healthy—even suspend him if he refuses to practice?

General manager John Lynch confirmed that Jennings did request a trade at some point—likely during training camp, as head coach Kyle Shanahan said on July 22 that Jennings had not made such a request at that point. Lynch made the 49ers' stance clear when asked if the wideout had rescinded the request.

"No, he asked for it, and we've moved on. We're not doing that, so we're moving forward," Lynch said.

The 49ers have taken similar stances before with players like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. A deal was reportedly in the works before Aiyuk and the 49ers reached an agreement. They traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders in March. There was trade demand for both players.

There doesn't seem to be as much demand for Jennings, making a trade potentially challenging. Could the 49ers realistically get anything meaningful in return, or would they have to settle for a fifth or sixth-round pick? Jennings has never recorded a 1,000-yard season, though he came close in 2024. The team likely prefers keeping him on the 2025 roster rather than trading for a low-value pick.

Yes, the Jennings saga appears to be nearing a conclusion—but the outcome remains uncertain.