The San Francisco 49ers followed their Super Bowl 58 appearance with a dud in 2024. After finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs, the team made some changes this offseason, and GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are still putting out internal fires, including Jauan Jennings’ contract dispute.
Lynch recently spoke to the media and provided a needed update.
John Lynch Expects Jauan Jennings To Participate in Training Camp
Jennings was a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has spent each of his five seasons with the 49ers. He was released after his rookie training camp but landed on San Francisco’s practice squad. The following year, Jennings established himself as a legitimate part of the offense by posting 24 catches, 282 yards, and five touchdowns.
He broke out last season by totaling career highs in receptions (77), yards (975), and touchdowns (six). The 49ers were broken last year, but Jennings was one of the lone offensive bright spots.
Jennings signed a two-year, $15.4 million contract extension before the 2024 season, but recent reports surfaced saying that he either wanted a new contract or to be traded. The trade request rumor has been proven untrue, as 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has confirmed it. Lynch also gave a much-needed update when he was asked about the receiver.
“I won’t speak for Jauan, but we had a good visit with him,” Lynch said, speaking to the media. “We anticipate him being out there [at practice]. You guys know our feelings on J.J. He embodies what we think a Niner’s all about. He plays the right way. We love him. We’re not gonna get into the contract talks, that stuff takes care of itself. But, we love him.”
John Lynch on Jauan Jennings:
“I won’t speak for Jauan, but we had a good visit with him. We anticipate him being out there [at practice]. He embodies what we think a Niner’s all about. He plays the right way. We love him.”
🎥: @VicTafur pic.twitter.com/P6UMrFA4ZP
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 22, 2025
The 49ers need Jennings fully in the fold this season after trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. Brandon Aiyuk had a quiet first seven games of the season before tearing his ACL and MCL.
Aiyuk had become one of the more productive receivers in the NFL before missing part of training camp last year due to a contract dispute and getting injured midway through the campaign. San Francisco should hope that Jennings doesn’t follow the same path in 2025.
Jennings was second on the team to George Kittle in receiving yards last year, proving he can be the guy. The 49ers still have a formidable offense with Jennings, Kittle, a healthy Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey.
Second-year receiver Ricky Pearall is set to take on an expanded role, but Jennings should be heavily featured in the 49ers’ offense. Things seem to be trending in the right direction.
