49ers should seek swift resolution to most recent contract dispute

Schefter adds that Jennings already approached the 49ers about his request for a new deal and made it clear he will not play without one. According to Schefter, the veteran told the 49ers to either honor his request by the start of training camp on July 23 or trade him, further adding to the urgency to get a deal done.

San Francisco dragging its feet in contract negotiations is not new and might be the most frustrating part of the Lynch/Shanahan regime — besides losing two Super Bowls. If the 49ers are aware of Jennings’ importance to the roster and desire for a new deal, the logical solution is to get a deal done.

The 49ers have the financial capacity to sign Jennings now, if they desire, with $45.6M in cap space, according to OverTheCap. While they would like to carry most of it over to 2026 and alleviate the pressure of $93M dead cap, extending Jennings should be a simple task.

Jennings is not expected to hold out, per Schefter. However, as seen by Aiyuk’s actions last season, being at the facility can create a bigger distraction than staying away.

Nine days shy of training camp, the 49ers are staring at another contract dispute. It could have been avoided, but more importantly, it can end if the 49ers are motivated.