49ers WR Jauan Jennings demands a new contract or trade in July 2025, echoing Brandon Aiyuk's holdout. Will the team pay up before training camp begins?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the 49ers were cruising toward training camp drama-free, a familiar storyline has emerged. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, fresh off a career-best season, has issued an ultimatum to the front office: sign him to a new, long-term contract or trade him. The news, breaking just a week before players report, casts a shadow over the team's preparations and echoes the tense contract standoff with Brandon Aiyuk just one year ago.
After ranking 28th among NFL receivers in receiving yards last season, Jennings enters the final year of his deal ranked just 42nd in average annual contract value.
Jauan Jennings, who is set to turn 28 this week, is betting on himself after a stellar 2024 campaign where he racked up 77 catches for 975 yards. He's entering the final year of a two-year, $15.39 million extension and is slated to make $7.5 million this season. Feeling his production has far outpaced his pay, Jennings has made it clear he won't play out the season on his current terms. While the demand is firm, reports indicate he plans to avoid a costly holdout, opting for a different kind of protest.
If this situation feels familiar, it's because it is. Jennings is following the playbook written by teammate Brandon Aiyuk in the summer of 2024. The expectation is that Jennings will report to training camp on July 22 to avoid hefty fines, but he may not participate in team drills—a 'hold-in'. This strategy aims to put pressure on management without financially penalizing the player, but it risks creating a significant distraction as the team installs its offense and builds chemistry for the upcoming season.
The 49ers' front office is in a tough spot, as Jennings holds considerable leverage. He's not just a depth piece; he's a critical third-down target for Brock Purdy and a key blocker in Kyle Shanahan's intricate offensive scheme. His value to the team is arguably much higher than his current contract suggests, and after watching Aiyuk secure a massive extension last year, Jennings is ready for his own payday. The question now is whether the 49ers have the cap flexibility and the desire to lock up another receiver long-term or if they'll explore the trade market for one of their most physical pass-catchers.
With training camp just a week away, the 49ers' once-quiet offseason has hit a major snag. All eyes are now on John Lynch and the front office. Will they reward one of Brock Purdy's most reliable targets with a new deal, or will they risk a trade or a prolonged distraction? The clock is ticking, and the harmony of the 49ers' locker room hangs in the balance as camp kicks off on July 22.
