The San Francisco 49ers may see a nightmare scenario play out in the post-NFL draft wave of NFL free agency.
Former 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings remains unsigned, and while he’s had visits with the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, NFL Media analyst Matt Okada linked Jennings to the 49ers’ biggest rival, the Seattle Seahawks.
Via NFL.com:
Mike Macdonald’s squad needs a legitimate WR2. Perhaps a guy with who wins contested catches and is a red-zone threat, who will also willingly contribute in the critical Seahawks run game, would suffice. If Jennings is down to sign for No. 2 money — somewhere around the $22 million per year Spotrac has calculated as his market value — he’d be an excellent fit for former teammate Sam Darnold and Co.
It’s hard to imagine at this point Jennings will receive a contract in the range of $22 million annually, but that only increases the likelihood he could wind up with the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Given Jennings’ competitiveness, hard-nosed play style and ability to get under an opponents’ skin, two games per year against Jennings could be a pretty major headache for the 49ers’ defense against a team that already thumped them twice in their final three games a season ago.
Jennings’ free agency has been eye-opening in regards to his value across the NFL. He broke out in 2024 with a career-best 975 receiving yards as a de facto No. 1 wide receiver in an injury-ravaged receiving corps. Last season he played through a handful of significant injuries and saw his numbers dip some in a more limited role. He still hauled in 55 catches for 643 yards and a team-high nine receiving touchdowns.
Jennings, 28, began his career as a seventh-round pick of the 49ers in the 2020 draft. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad, but carved out a role in the receiving corps as a second year player and posted 210 catches for 2,581 yards and 22 touchdowns in 75 games.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL analyst suggests nightmare scenario for 49ers in free agency
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
