Jauan Jenning’s Career Just Got a Major Boost: Latest NFL Trade Rumblings Spell Good News for…
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jauan Jennings had the best season of his pro career in 2024 for the San Francisco 49ers.
Jennings, who signed a two-year extension worth $15.4 million with San Francisco ahead of the 2024 season, caught 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns this past season. The 975 receiving yards were more than double Jennings’ previous career high (416 yards in 2022).
The former Vol could be in for an even bigger role in the 49ers’ offense in 2025 based on the latest NFL trade rumblings.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the 49ers are expected to “explore” trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason.
From NFL.com: Niners’ star receiver Deebo Samuel, a linchpin of their offense since 2019, might have played his last down in San Francisco.
Sources say the 49ers are expected to explore trading Samuel this offseason. While it’s not a certainty that Samuel is done in San Francisco, it’s enough of a possibility that both sides appear to be at peace with moving on if it goes that way.
If the 49ers trade Samuel this offseason, it would solidify Jennings as a top option in the passing game. Wide receiver Bradon Aiyuk, who missed 10 games due to injury in 2024, and tight end George Kittle, along with running back Christian McCaffrey, are the focal points of San Francisco’s offense.
Jennings, who is easily one of the best run-blocking wide receivers in the NFL, would be entrenched as a go-to option behind Aiyuk, Kittle, and McCaffrey (those three would likely command more attention from opposing defenses which would give Jennings more opportunities to shine). Jennings’ snaps would also likely increase (Ricky Pearsall, who was a rookie in 2024, would be the third wide receiver in the 49ers’ offense).
If a Samuel trade comes to fruition this offseason, it couldn’t come at a better time for Jennings.
The Tennessee native is set to be a free agent after the 2025 season. A big season could land Jennings, who will turn 28 in July, a lucrative free agent contract — or perhaps an extension from the 49ers. After all, Jennings’ emergence as a dependable go-to option in the passing game is almost certainly a major factor in San Francisco’s willingness to entertain the idea of trading Samuel.
