KSTP Sports was at Vikings rookie minicamp on Friday. Coach Kevin O’Connell afterwards addressed the addition of free agent wide receiver Jauan Jennings, noting that fans will love watching him play.
**_\*\*\*Click the video box above to watch KOC’s news conference after rookie minicamp\*\*\*_**
The contract is for 1-year and worth $8M, with a chance to earn up to $13M with incentives.
Jennings, who turns 29 in July, spent the past five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was a dependable option on third down and one of the best downfield blockers among receivers. He was originally a seventh-round pick in 2020 by the 49ers.
He caught 210 passes for 2,581 yards and 22 TDs in 75 games for San Francisco, with his best season coming in 2024 when he set career highs with 77 catches for 975 yards. Jennings had 55 catches for 643 yards and nine TDs last season, while also throwing a touchdown pass in a playoff win against Philadelphia.
O’Connell also was asked for his perspective on the ongoing general manager search and whether he’ll be involved in any capacity.
“First and foremost, just out of respect for the process, I would defer everything to ownership and \[Chief Operating Officer\] Andrew Miller as that process is ongoing,” O’Connell said. “I’m excited for potentially forming that relationship, going through the process. And as much of a part as ownership and Andrew want me to be a part of it, I will. And very much looking forward to a great outcome, which I know we’re going to get.
First round pick defensive lineman Caleb Banks won’t ramp up on the field until training camp in July. He’s still recovering from a foot injury. O’Connell said that Banks is progressing nicely.
_The Associated Press contributed to this report_