The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Jauan Jennings reportedly reached a compromise after a contract standoff during training camp. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on September 3 that the deal adds $3 million in performance-based incentives to Jennings’ contract.
Schefter adds that under the new terms, instead of the $7.5 million he was originally scheduled to earn this season, Jennings now has the potential to make up to $10.5 million.
On September 4, 49ers general manager John Lynch was on KNBR and broke his silence after rewarding Jennings with an incentive pay increase.
“I want to commend Jauan,” Lynch said. “The way he took care of his business both getting healthy and his want for a new contract, he handled it in a good way… When I say stuff I usually mean it… Jauan did battle a calf injury, and he did want a new contract. Both things seemed to get right at the same time.
“We’re going to continue to try to work on a long term deal but right now we’ve got something that works for everybody for the short term and that’s a good thing for the Niners.”
Is This a Win-Win for 49ers, Jauan Jennings?
After Schefter’s report, David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard wrote on X that the compromise seems like a win for both sides. The 49ers get Jennings back in practice in better spirits, while he could see a pay bump as he approaches free agency following the 2025 season.
“To those saying ‘The 49ers owned Jauan Jennings in this process‘ — are you realizing that he wasn’t a free agent?” Lombardi wrote.
“Jennings had very limited mobility here. He secured a shot to earn up to $3m more. Didn’t give up [his] 2026 [free-agent status]. [The] 49ers maintained salary-cap integrity. Both sides win — that’s why both shook hands on the deal.”
San Francisco Was Willing to Be Flexible With Jauan Jennings
Sometimes it’s not about winning a contract standoff but finding common ground where both sides are satisfied and can close the chapter. Moreover, the 49ers might not have wanted to come off as being on a hill they were unwilling to move from with Jennings.
San Francisco appeared to be unwilling to give Jennings a new contract or trade him. Nonetheless, the 49ers probably wanted to make a move that allowed for the wide receiver to see that the franchise appreciates him, even though they weren’t willing to give in to his demands.
“The 49ers could have been complete hardliners here and not budged one bit,” Lombardi wrote on X. “They even worked to insulate themselves a bit at WR outside of Jennings. But cultural upkeep is important and comes with a cost, too.
“Jennings may not be an A-lister but he’s been a sterling performer that fits the operation like a glove. It’s good business to reward those types of players when circumstances dictate, even if there isn’t much wiggle room.”
Both sides will now close this chapter that was hovering around the team during training camp, and now can focus on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. After missing the playoffs last season, the 49ers are looking for a bounce-back season. San Francisco will be looking to get off on the right foot against their NFC West rival and build positive momentum to start the 2025 season.
