The San Francisco 49ers started OTA’s on Tuesday and, as expected, Brandon Aiyuk was nowhere to be seen. However, another 49ers wide receiver also skipped team practices. Former seventh-round pick Jauan Jennings is holding out and could be seeking a trade if San Francisco doesn’t give him a proper extension.
Jauan Jennings isn’t nearly as big a name as Aiyuk, but teams could be interested in a trade for the wideout. Selected as an afterthought in the 2020 NFL Draft, the wide receiver has played well in small doses. While he only has one season with over 400 receiving yards, Jennings makes the most of his limited opportunities. However, sharing a depth chart with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Aiyuk has limited his potential role in the offense.
Nobody is saying that Jauan Jennings is as good as any of the aforementioned players, but the seventh-round pick could increase his output with a trade. This could be another Kendrick Bourne situation, where the former 49er looked good in small doses before establishing himself as a reliable weapon with New England.
Jauan Jennings is a menace
pic.twitter.com/LD1XwTydRJ
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2024
Jauan Jennings Holdout: Wide Receiver Skips OTA’s, Could Seek Trade
The 49ers could pay Jauan Jennings and immediately end all trade rumors. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see that happening. The former seventh-round pick won’t break the bank, but San Francisco must save every penny they can. The team currently has just $6.2 million in cap space and has to set a fair chunk of change aside for Brock Purdy’s inevitable extension.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned that Jennings and Aiyuk’s absence will give rookies like first-round pick Ricky Pearsall a chance to prove themselves. San Francisco selected two wideouts in the 2024 NFL Draft, which means the team should be willing to trade Jauan Jennings if Persall or fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing impress in the next few days.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers desperately need help at wide receiver. After parting ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Jim Harbaugh’s squad has gone with quantity over quality at the position. The team selected three receivers in the NFL Draft, signed DJ Chark shortly thereafter, and brought in Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a free agent visit. While rookie Ladd McConkey has potential, the team should trade a late-round pick for Jauan Jennings. The former seventh-round pick will be the second-best receiver on this depth chart and provide some much-needed security for Justin Herbert.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost Odell Beckham in free agency and might not have the money to spend big on the top remaining options. With this in mind, a Jauan Jennings trade could make sense for all parties. Baltimore already has Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers, so Jennings won’t be anything more than the third option in this passing attack. As a bonus, his ferocious run blocking should play well on a team with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
New England Patriots
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Back in 2021, the Patriots gambled on Kendrick Bourne maintaining his efficiency with a larger role. That bet paid off, as the wide receiver has been one of the best players on the post-Brady Patriots and the team’s most reliable weapon over the past three seasons. Perhaps a Jauan Jennings trade could provide a similar level of stability for either Jacoby Brissett or third-overall pick Drake Maye.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have tried to trade for DK Metcalf and Courtland Sutton throughout the offseason. While nothing came of those efforts, the team could pivot to a smaller trade target in Jauan Jennings. While he’s not nearly as dangerous as those two, the former seventh-round pick could be a reliable set of hands behind George Pickens. Additionally, you can say what you want about Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, but he knows how to get the most out of players with Jennings’ skillset.
Carolina Panthers
After putting him in a position to fail as a rookie, the Panthers are giving Bryce Young a legitimate chance in 2024. Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette are a fine trio, but this team could still use more help. Legette is a high-risk, high-reward player who didn’t break out until his fifth year in college, so he might need time to adjust to the NFL. Jauan Jennings can serve as the third option in this passing attack and ensure that Young has someone to target on every single play.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
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