Due to injuries and insufficient performance from others, San Francisco wide receiver Jauan Jennings became a prime target for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in 2024.
In his fourth NFL season, the Tennessee alum Jennings led all 49ers receivers in targets, receptions, yardage, and touchdowns.
Consequently, Jennings was acknowledged by Pro Football Focus as the most improved player for the 49ers.
The previously drafted seventh-round player enjoyed a standout year due to injuries affecting Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey, recording 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns, achieving personal bests in every category.
Jennings had previously gained recognition primarily for his blocking skills until this season; however, he became Brock Purdy’s top target, receiving 113 targets in 15 games, and his 83.1 grade ranked 13th among all NFL receivers. He also emerged as one of the top receivers for securing contested catches, with only Terry McLaurin and Drake London surpassing Jennings’ 20 contested catches in the regular season. – Thomas Valentine, Pro Football Focus.
Jennings signed a two-year, $15.4 million deal prior to last season that guarantees his return with the team in 2025.
Jennings’ emergence is promising right now as the 49ers look ahead to next season. It instills confidence in the franchise that a plethora of offensive tools will be available at receiver when Brandon Aiyuk returns completely recovered from his torn ACL.
However, Jennings’ rise during the previous season might also raise some inquiries for the franchise. Is San Francisco willing to compensate Jennings as its second receiver? Is it able to pay Jennings?
Last August, the 49ers agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension with Aiyuk, securing his connection to the franchise until the 2028 season.
Star tight end George Kittle is approaching the last year of his existing contract after achieving another 1,000-yard receiving season. Such a level of performance should drive the 49ers to pursue a contract extension with Kittle.
And, of course, there’s the possible Purdy extension that hangs over all matters concerning San Francisco. If agreements for both are finalized, a significant amount of money could be locked up solely in those three players.
In another part of the receiver position, Deebo Samuel has shone for San Francisco throughout his tenure in the bay, but he’s finishing a lackluster 2024 season and approaching the last year of his existing contract with the 49ers.
49ers general manager John Lynch suggested that the team plans to retain Samuel for the 2025 season, but is that truly the intention? And, if it is, what occurs if and when Samuel regains his form?
Could San Francisco consider re-signing Samuel while allowing Jennings to leave?
The 49ers have also chosen Ricky Pearsall from Florida with their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft. The ex-Gator began to emerge towards the end of last season, accumulating 210 receiving yards, 14 catches, and two touchdowns in the 49ers’ last two matches of 2024.
Pearsall completed his rookie season with 31 catches, 400 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Should Pearsall keep improving, the franchise may choose to invest less in receivers beyond Aiyuk, as Pearsall will still be under his rookie contract in 2026.
Following the season that Jennings just had, other franchises’ interest must have definitely sparked. In the interim, it’s a good issue for San Francisco to face.
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