According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, San Francisco 49ers' receiver Jauan Jennings might be wanting out of the Bay Area. And the Pittsburgh Steelers could come knocking.
The veteran receiver wants a raise, and San Francisco might not oblige his request. If they turn him down, it could spark a trade request, which the 49ers might have to contemplate. That is where the Pittsburgh Steelers could swoop in to land their receiver upgrade once and for all.
Schefter reported, "San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who is scheduled to make $7.5 million in the final year of his deal, wants a new contract or a trade, sources told ESPN on Monday."
Jennings is making pennies on the dollar for a receiver who will have an increased role in a 49ers offense that traded away Deebo Samuel earlier this offseason. The veteran has a perfect opportunity to capitalize now and expand his role in San Francisco. For good reason, he doesn't want to risk injury without financial compensation, which could trigger a trade market for the 28-year-old.
"Jennings has approached the 49ers about his request, but little progress has been made, a source told ESPN," Schefter claimed. "If a new deal is not reached by the time training camp starts next week, Jennings plans to request a trade to a team willing to pay him."
The Steelers have been searching for an answer to their receiver issue for a while now. They traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, leaving a vacancy. Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III will have a shot to win a starting job at training camp, but they aren't proven commodities in the NFL. It would be best for business for General Manager Omar Khan to inquire about Jennings.
Pittsburgh Steelers better place trade calls to try and land 49ers' WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings would be a perfect addition for the Steelers. He is a terrific blocker and knows how to play in different roles. Khan believes this team is ready to compete with Aaron Rodgers leading the way, and adding Jennings would boost their chances. If the 49ers are willing to trade the veteran playmaker, Khan will be the first in line to try and land him. It's a perfect time for the Steelers to strike.
Pittsburgh just landed Jonnu Smith in a blockbuster trade that included Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jalen Ramsey. Khan is willing to make massive trades to better his roster. If the 49ers do want to deal Jennings, the Steelers would be a logical landing spot.
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Smith got a one-year extension immediately after the trade, which might be the root cause of Jennings' contract demands going into training camp.
"Jennings is following the model that tight end Jonnu Smith used this summer with the Miami Dolphins. Smith asked the Dolphins for a new deal and, when they would not meet his wishes, he requested a trade and wound up being dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he signed a one-year, $12 million extension," Schefter reported.
It's unknown if Khan would take another gamble like he did with Smith. Signing a player who never played a down for your team and giving up assets in a trade is always a bold move. Then again, Khan did that twice this offseason with DK Metcalf and Smith. With Jennings potentially on the move, Khan could always revisit this.
The veteran receiver shouldn't command too much on a possible contract extension.
According to Spotrac's website, Jennings should command a market value of $10 million per season on his next contract. That would be a steal of a price after his breakout campaign in 2024. Pittsburgh could consider trading Austin to San Francisco for Jennings and then sign Jennings to a short-term contract extension similar to the one recently agreed upon with Smith.