The San Francisco 49ers had a major wrench thrown into their summer plans on Monday with the surprise news that wide receiver Jauan Jennings wants a new contract or to be traded.
He's set to make $7.5 million in 2025 but with Brandon Aiyuk injured and Deebo Samuel sent to the Washington Commanders, Jennings has a lot of leverage. He burst onto the scene with 77 catches for 975 yards and six TDs, but if the 49ers aren't willing to meet his contract demands, they may have no choice but to recoup some value via trade.
There are likely several interested suitors, and one new projected trade sees San Francisco trading Jennings to an underwhelming AFC team desperate for relevance after a few brutal seasons.
49ers Trade WR Jauan Jennings to Patriots in Projected Move After Contract Dispute
This projected move has Jennings going to New England for a 2026 4th-round pick and 2027 6th-round selection. For the 49ers, it'd be painful and a big sign of faith in young players like Ricky Pearsall. They'd take a step back in 2025 on paper, yet they'd free up cap space before Jennings' price keeps rising.
San Francisco has plenty of cap space for this year, but it gets more complicated in future seasons. The 49ers sit with just north of $8 million in available space in 2026 right now, so they already need to make some difficult decisions thanks to Brock Purdy's mammoth contract extension. If Jennings commands even a modest annual salary in the neighborhood of $12-15 million, San Francisco can't pay it right now.
Things can change, and the salary cap isn't that difficult to manipulate, though it's still a notable factor in these discussions. Jennings is already 28 years old and never eclipsed 416 yards in a season prior to his breakout campaign. This is a talented player, yet perhaps the juice isn't worth the squeeze.
For the Patriots, Jennings gives them another quality weapon to support Drake Maye. With new head coach Mike Vrabel in town, New England expects to compete quickly. Jennings, Stefon Diggs, rookie Kyle Williams and recent draft picks Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk.
If, and that's a big if, the 49ers feel like their hands are tied, then this trade makes a lot of sense for both parties. Here's hoping Jennings returns on a contract that makes each side happy, though it's at least time to start considering trading him regardless.