The San Francisco 49ers locked up quarterback Brock Purdy to a long-term extension. While it is great they have their franchise signal-caller, his large contract could mean the Niners will have to let players walk in free agency a little less than a year from now.
One of these players could be wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
Jennings is the highest profile free agent the franchise has going into next offseason. San Francisco has already extended Purdy and tight end George Kittle, who were both set to be free agents following the 2025 season, but Jennings may be entering his final season in the red and gold. Our own Peter Panacy noted that this was a distinct possibility even before the Purdy extension, but now that the new deal is official, it brings that possibility into even starker relief.
It would be a shame if the Niners are unable to keep Jennings because he has turned into a formidable pass-catcher for San Francisco. Last season was truly his breakout year as he had to step up with Brandon Aiyuk injured for much of the year and with Deebo Samuel's regression. In 15 games, Jennings caught 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns, all of which were career-highs for the 27-year-old veteran.
San Francisco's new offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak views Jennings as being at the top of the wide receiver depth chart going into 2025 especially with Aiyuk still on the mend from his knee injury. If Jennings builds upon his great 2024 season and has a monster year in 2025, it may be close to impossible for the Niners to bring him back.
The 49ers were smart to sign Jennings to a one-year extension last season, but they may be wishing they had been able to sign him to a two- or three-year deal so they would not have to really pony up after this season.
We will see how things play out, though. The front office has done a good job of extending key players this offseason so maybe they can find a way to ensure Jennings is around for the next few years.
Yet, the Niners are now in a different financial reality due to Purdy's extension. Deals that may have gotten done in the past may end up being impossible now due to the money owed to their signal-caller. That is not Purdy's fault as he has certainly earned a deal commensurate with other quarterbacks he is equal to or better than, but his big contract could mean San Francisco will have to say goodbye to players they would really like to keep like Jennings.
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