Week 18 proved costly for the San Francisco 49ers, who not only squandered a chance to win the NFC West but also lost their grip on the No. 1 overall seed for the postseason.
Despite the loss, Jauan Jennings had reason to smile.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the 49ers star wide receiver triggered a key incentive tied to playing time in the 13-3 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
“49ers WR Jauan Jennings earned his $2.4 million playtime incentive during Saturday night’s loss to Seattle,” Schefter wrote on X. “Jennings can make another $600,000 if he plays 35 snaps in the playoffs.”
Jennings finished with four catches for 35 yards on six targets, but did not score a touchdown for the first time in six games.
Having failed to lock up homefield advantage, the 49ers (12-5) will open the playoffs Sunday (4:30 p.m. ET) against the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.
Jennings Slated for a Big Payday in Free Agency
Jennings has stepped up in Brandon Aiyuk’s absence to become the 49ers’ most productive receiver, catching 55 passes for 643 yards and nine touchdowns. The only two 49ers to catch more passes in the regular season were running back Christian McCaffrey (102 for 924 yards) and tight end George Kittle (57 for 628 yards).
As a pending free agent, the 28-year-old is set for a big payday. The Ringer’s Austin Gayle estimated that Jennings could receive a deal similar to the three-year, $60 million contract given to Jakobi Meyers by the Jacksonville Jaguars in December.
“Jennings has reliable hands, plays through contact, and can consistently win his matchups over the middle of the field, skills that have helped him become one of the league’s best chain movers,” Gayle wrote. “He ranks tied for fifth among qualifying wideouts in first downs per route run on third down over the past two years (2024-25). Jennings is also tough as hell.”
Another Incentive in Reach for Jennings
As Schefter noted, Jennings can hit another bonus if he plays 35 snaps against Philadelphia. Assuming he stays healthy, that number should be easily attainable.
Jennings was a big part of the game plan against Seattle. He was second on the team in targets, and his 16-yard grab early in the fourth quarter moved San Francisco into the red zone before a Brock Purdy interception stymied any chance of scoring.
He closed the regular season with touchdowns in seven of his last eight games, and his nine scores were second on the team behind McCaffrey.
49ers Wide Receiver Earns Major Payday in Loss to Seahawks