With Brandon Aiyuk going down last season for the San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver Jauan Jennings had to step up significantly.
After limited action for parts of his first three seasons in the NFL, Jennings had to be put in a position he’d never been in before. However, the 27-year-old handled it well, posting 975 yards and six touchdowns.
The 49ers recently gave Brock Purdy a massive extension, indicating they plan to contend over the next few years.
And according to Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports, that could be a factor in them paying Jennings, adding that he could be a piece that the 49ers are looking at to retain, given they lost Deebo Samuel during the offseason in a trade with the Washington Commanders and made other moves.
“The Niners have been busy locking up their stars, including Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Fred Warner, this offseason. Next up could be 2024 breakout receiver Jauan Jennings. The 27-year-old emerged last season with career-best marks across the board, notching highs in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
“With Deebo Samuel traded to the Commanders earlier this offseason, Jennings could be the beneficiary of added targets from Purdy, building off of his 113 targets from 2024. If he can continue his ascent, he’ll prove to be a key piece that San Francisco would be wise to retain,” Sullivan wrote.
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The 49ers haven’t been afraid to lock up star players.
Jennings clearly isn’t one of them yet, but if he continues to improve at the level he has, he’ll be wanted on the open market when the time comes.
If the 49ers want to be smart, it might be better to give the former seventh-round pick a deal now and hope that he takes it before he becomes more expensive.
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