The San Francisco 49ers have visions of playing the Super Bowl at home dancing in their heads, but Jauan Jennings seems likely to unlock a consolation prize even if the Niners lose this weekend.
The 49ers wide receiver can cash in on an extra $600,000 in bonuses just by playing a minimum number of snaps in their Wild Card Game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Jennings, of course, was the 49ers’ top wideout this year, almost by default in 2025. He led the Niners in receiving touchdowns (9) and was second on the team in targets (90) and receiving yards (643) behind only running back Christian McCaffrey.
Jauan Jennings Needs To Play 35 Snaps Sunday To Unlock A Huge Bonus
Jennings was the only 49ers receiver to suit up for 15+ games this season, which is a remarkable stat but also was a lucrative accomplishment for the fifth-year wideout.
By logging 35 snaps in his 15th game of 2025, Jennings picked up a $2.4 million bonus from the 49ers, according to Spotrac. The wideout, who played 82% of the 49ers offensive snaps this season, actually was on the field for 37 of the team’s 42 snaps in its 13-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night.
But even though the 49ers’ regular season ended in their home loss to their division rivals, Jennings can still cash in on the postseason. He is eligible to earn $600,000 more just by playing 35 snaps against the Eagles on Sunday.
Presuming Jennings does so, he would have unlocked almost $6 million in incentives from the 49ers. He received an additional $1.5 million by playing in 50% of the Niners’ offensive snaps and $1.33 million by recording 60-plus receiving yards and scoring at least six touchdowns this season.
Still, if for some reason Jennings doesn’t play 35 snaps and the 49ers win, he can still unlock the $600k by playing at least that many snaps in any San Francisco playoff game this year.
The 49ers Will Need To Make A Decision About Jauan Jennings In 2026
With Brandon Aiyuk out of the picture, and Jennings’ contract set to expire when the league year rolls over in March, the Niners need to decide what to do with Jennings’ next contract.
With San Francisco set to have about $8 million in dead-cap space when it cuts Aiyuk, presumably after June 1, it will then need to decide whether to pay Jennings as its No. 1 wideout or let him walk to another team.
As the top wide receiver for a team that went 12-5, Jennings is likely to command up to $20 million salary, and there are talent-deficient teams likely to pay him at that number next year.
Still, the 49ers have prioritized paying McCaffrey — who, again, was one of the best backs in football — and tight end George Kittle, who had more receptions (57) and nearly as many yards (628) as Jennings despite playing in four fewer games.
The other question is whether Jennings will choose to re-sign in the Bay. He requested a trade before this season while trying to negotiate for a new contract with the Niners, and general manager John Lynch did not deal him nor did he re-sign the fifth-year wideout.
Obviously, Niners fans hope these are decisions to be made down the road, after they at least represent the NFC at the Super Bowl in Santa Clara on Feb. 8.
49ers WR Jauan Jennings Has Another Big Payday on the Line in Wild Card Game