Richard Sherman urges 49ers to end Jauan Jennings contract drama

The San Francisco 49ers hoped to enter 2025 training camp drama-free after locking up three of their core players—quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Warner—with major contract extensions.

However, 49ers fans have grown accustomed to offseason contract drama, and this year is no exception. Last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings is seeking a new deal. If the two sides can't reach an agreement, Jennings reportedly plans to request a trade.

Ongoing contract disputes have become a familiar theme in recent years for the 49ers, often bleeding into training camp. One former player believes it's time to put an end to the distractions.

"Jauan deserves what he deserves," Richard Sherman told his new podcast co-host Darius Slay. "He had almost 1,000 yards last year. Seventy-seven catches—just did a great job. Does a great job separating, doing all the dirty work—run blocking, pass blocking. Whatever needs to be done, he's willing to do."

Sherman added that Jennings could have thrived as a WR2 elsewhere, but has been pushed down the depth chart behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in recent years. Now, with Samuel no longer on the roster and Aiyuk still recovering from injury, Jennings' value to the team may be more important than ever.

Sherman believes the 49ers' history of successful player holdouts—where players ultimately land better deals—has set a precedent that encourages others to follow suit.

"When you continue to have guys do that, and have success, and get what they're asking for, it's going to embolden other guys to be like, 'Well, if it worked for them, I might as well try my luck.'"

That could force the 49ers to finally take a firmer stance.

"Somebody will be an example, and I feel like it might be him," Slay commented.

However, Sherman can envision the 49ers being able to work out something to appease their unhappy receiver.

"But I think you've got to do something because you do not want another distraction kind of just lingering on into the season," Sherman added.

Jennings is entering the final year of the two-year contract he signed in 2024 and is set to become a free agent in 2026. Whether the 49ers find common ground with the veteran receiver or take a firmer approach, resolving the situation quickly could be crucial to avoiding yet another training camp distraction.