San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings wants a trade or a new contract following his breakout 2024, and nobody knows how this saga will end. Currently set to earn $7.5 million in 2025, Jennings is currently atop the 49ers depth chart with Brandon Aiyuk injured and Deebo Samuel in Washington. He narrowly missed hitting the 1,000-yard threshold last year and is easily worth more if he can recapture his 2024 magic.
On the other hand, the 49ers just gave a massive contract to quarterback Brock Purdy and may not have the financial resources to give Jennings a new contract. If the team decides to move forward with first-round pick Ricky Pearsall leading their offense, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes the team could trade Jauan Jennings to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick and wide receiver Tre Tucker.
“Jennings could be exactly who Vegas needs to get over the hump and return to the playoffs for only the second time since the 2016 season,” Kay writes. “Jennings would be a strong fit in new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s system. The receiver thrived last season with creative head coach Kyle Shanahan scheming up ways for him to get the ball in space, and Kelly could do the same if the Raiders are willing to cough up some picks and cap space to land Jennings.”
At first glance, it’s easy to see why the Las Vegas Raiders are connected to Jauan Jennings in these trade rumors. Head coach Pete Carroll is well into his 70s and is trying to build a team that can immediately compete. This much was clear when he sent a third-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for old friend Geno Smith, and when he used a top-ten pick on running back Ashton Jeanty.
Vegas has a solid supporting cast in superstar tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. However, you need three reliable receiving threats in today’s pass-happy NFL, and the Raiders don’t have that. It’s clear they’re looking for one, as they used three of their draft picks on wide receivers. Perhaps someone like second-round pick Jack Bech can step up, but a Jauan Jennings trade would give this team someone who can make an immediate contribution.
Of course, the 49ers would need to say yes for any sort of Jauan Jennings trade to happen. Fortunately, Kay’s scenario makes sense for both teams. While Jennings is the short-term answer at WR1, he wouldn’t be a long-term fix at the position. Brandon Aiyuk and his massive salary will return to full strength by the end of the year, and Ricky Pearsall had a promising rookie season. These two, combined with star tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey, should give the 49ers enough offensive firepower to afford parting ways with Jennings.
Additionally, wide receiver Tre Tucker is a solid depth piece. Last year, the veteran started 14 games while recording 47 receptions for 539 yards and three touchdowns. While he may not be the most exciting player, he could be an adequate depth option for a creative mind like Kyle Shanahan. Add in a third-round pick and this Jauan Jennings trade makes sense for both sides.
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