Injuries and contract woes jeopardize Jauan Jennings' 49ers future. Will he return alongside Aiyuk, or seek new opportunities?
The San Francisco 49ers got back on track offensively in a 41-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Yet while that bodes well for the present some outlets are concerned about what the offense will look like in the future.
ESPN discussed potential roster concerns for the Niners following the 2025 season in an article titled, "2026 NFL offseason: Early team needs for free agency, draft."
ESPN NFL analyst Andrew Schatz discussed what positions the 49ers will need to prioritize to shore up their 2026 roster. He gave his answer for what positions are most important to address in the offseason.
"Wide receiver and defensive tackle. Brandon Aiyuk is still going to have health questions after missing most of the 2025 season, while Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings are set for free agency. Meanwhile, the 49ers are 22nd in run defense DVOA and have a number of free-agents-to-be behind rookie Alfred Collins, including Jordan Elliott, Kalia Davis and Keith Givens."
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan has had little to no trouble developing receivers, or quarterbacks, to great success in his system. If the will is there from the player to compete, learn and develop, it is more likely that a given player will reach his potential than not since Shanahan took over as head coach. That said, continuity is paramount and Jennings has been a productive player for the Niners in his time in San Francisco.
ESPN's Nick Waggoner discussed Jennings' contract situation heading into the offseason.
"His efforts to land a lucrative extension in the offseason came up short, and he ultimately settled for additional incentives this season. That request led to some tense moments, including a trade request by Jennings. Hoping to build on a breakout 2024 season, he has been slowed by rib, ankle and shoulder injuries. While the 49ers won't close the door on bringing Jennings back, they won't tag him and are unlikely to sign him to a significant deal unless they move on from Aiyuk's $30 million per year contract."
Aiyuk's contract certainly hampers the Niners' ability to afford a significant deal for Jennings. That Aiyuk's injury has kept him off the field makes for an even more difficult decision.
The Niners offense will likely be fine regardless of which players start at receiver, but who ultimately mans the position makes for an interesting offseason storyline. The team will look to continue their push for a postseason bid.