SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) – The San Francisco 49ers have extended receiver Jauan Jennings’ contract through the 2025 season, bringing one of their two missing receivers back to practice.
Jennings had previously received a $4.89 million restricted free agent tender in March. On Wednesday, he signed a two-year deal worth up to $15.4 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed, as confirmed by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. ESPN initially reported the details of the new contract.
Meanwhile, the 49ers are still working on securing a long-term deal with star receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has been absent from the voluntary offseason activities. Aiyuk is set to play this season on a fifth-year option worth about $14.1 million but seeks a long-term contract that reflects his significant contributions. Top receivers often command contracts around $25 million annually.
Aiyuk was pivotal in San Francisco’s offense last season, establishing a strong connection with quarterback Brock Purdy. He recorded 75 catches for a career-high 1,375 yards and seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors.
While Jennings has been less prolific, he remains a crucial part of the 49ers’ offense. He recorded 19 catches for 265 yards and one touchdown in 13 regular-season games but excelled as a blocker in the run game and in the postseason.
Teammate George Kittle praised Jennings’ physicality, calling him “one of one” for his all-around contributions. “He runs the routes, he excels in the run game, and he shows up every day with a great attitude,” Kittle said. “On gameday, he makes plays. That’s someone you want on your team and someone worth rewarding because he raises the standard for everyone around him.”
Jennings shined in last season’s playoffs, with 10 catches for 111 yards and one touchdown in three games. He was a standout in the Super Bowl loss to Kansas City, recording four catches for 42 yards, a touchdown, and a 21-yard touchdown pass, becoming the second player to both catch and throw a touchdown in a Super Bowl.
Drafted in the seventh round in 2020, Jennings spent his first season on the practice squad. Over the past three years, he has played in 45 games, totaling 78 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns. He has excelled on third downs, with more than half of his catches (40) resulting in 32 first downs or touchdowns.
NOTES: RB Christian McCaffrey and DT Maliek Collins have not been seen with the team during the voluntary offseason activities. DE Nick Bosa and LB Fred Warner watched practice but did not participate. Kittle expects to be fully recovered from offseason core muscle surgery by the start of training camp.