The San Francisco 49ers parted ways with former wide receiver Jauan Jennings earlier this offseason. Now, the former Tennessee Volunteer is headed to the NFC North. He recently signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings worth up to $13 million. However, the Vikings weren’t the only team interested in signing him.
According to ESPN senior insider Adam Schefter, who appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, several other teams were interested in signing Jennings. The Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, and Kansas City Chiefs were all interested in acquiring the former seventh-round draft pick.
The San Francisco 49ers Didn’t Want to Pay Jauan Jennings
GettyWR Jauan Jennings had a career-high 15 starts last season for the Niners.
Here is what Schefter had to say about Jennings having other suitors besides the Minnesota Vikings:
“I was told that there were a few other teams…It was the Dolphins, the Commanders…the Chiefs also were interested in Jauan Jennings.”
The Dolphins, Commanders, and the Chiefs were interested..
I believe Minnesota was the only place that he visited” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive
Schefter also noted how the Vikings were the only team that Jennings ended up visiting during his free agency window. The $13 million that he could end up earning this season in the Twin Cities is more than he could have gotten in the Bay Area annually on a new contract. Plus, 49ers GM John Lynch, as he ended up doing, would have likely rather used money to pay a future Hall of Famer in Mike Evans and former 1,000-yard receiver Christian Kirk.
Now, the Niners could have a chance to be even better on the offensive side of the football. While losing a familiar face isn’t always the easiest thing to go through for any NFL team, it could pave the way for an offensive explosion and a better wide receiver core.
Jauan Jennings Isn’t Getting Paid Like a Role Player
GettyJauan Jennings led the 49ers in touchdown catches last season (9).
If Jennings had signed a multi-year contract at the same annual rate, it would have felt even more like the Vikings were paying him like a 1,000-yard wide receiver. On a one-year deal, though, it feels like more of a prove-it deal. Still, $13 million is a lot for a wide receiver who has eclipsed 700 receiving yards just once in his five-year career. San Francisco is likely glad not to have to pay that much to Jennings. A role player out wide is more likely to make $6-8 million as opposed to double-digits per year. This just goes to show how much the Vikings wanted him in their building.
Now, Jennings will team up with All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray. In his five seasons with the 49ers, the former seventh-round pick recorded 210 receptions, 2,581 yards, and 22 touchdowns. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing close to 215 pounds, Jennings can be a solid target for Murray, especially in the red zone. Don’t expect him to eclipse 1,000 yards in his first year with the Vikings. However, with head coach Kevin O’Connell calling the shots, look for him to get his fair share of targets and opportunities in Minnesota.
Adam Schefter Lists Teams in on Former 49ers WR Jauan Jennings