Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings
Getty
The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings had a trade agreement in place that sent WR Jauan Jennings back to San Francisco, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported on Nov. 1.
However, Jennings made it clear that he did not want to return to the 49ers for a second stint. The trade fell through.
The 49ers could use a veteran WR like Jennings who is familiar with Kyle Shanahan’s offense after injuries to Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Christian Kirk. But the former fan-favorite opted to stay in Minnesota.
Jauan Jennings Explains Decision to Stay in Minnesota
Jennings explained to Kevin Seifert of ESPN why he ultimately wanted to remain with the Vikings.
“I just thought it was best for both teams,” Jennings told ESPN. “No distractions. I love where I’m at.”
Jennings has seen a significant dip in his production with the Vikings. The WR has recorded only 6 receptions for 54 yards on 10 targets through 6 games.
For comparison, Jennings recorded 55 receptions for 643 yards and 9 touchdowns last season with the 49ers.
Indianapolis Colts v Minnesota Vikings
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 25: Jauan Jennings #14 of the Minnesota Vikings watches the ball bounce in the air after a reception attempt against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Despite Jennings’ lack of usage, the Vikings currently sit as the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a 6-1 record. Minnesota is only behind the 49ers (No. 1 seed) in the NFC standings.
The 49ers and the Vikings will face off on Sunday, Nov. 22, in Mexico City, Mexico, during Week 11 of the NFL season.
San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
GettyFormer San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
Kyle Shanahan Addresses Jauan Jennings Trade Fallout
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the report that Jauan Jennings did not want to return to San Francisco after the two teams agreed on a trade.
Shanahan told reporters earlier this week that he and Jennings had a good conversation on FaceTime, but Jennings said he preferred to stay in Minnesota.
San Francisco did not resign Jennings this offseason. So, the 6-year WR chose to play elsewhere. Jennings joined the Vikings on a one-year, $8 million contract this year.
The 49ers could have used a wideout like Jennings this week. San Francisco will be without Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), and Christian Kirk (knee) against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
The 49ers announced on Saturday that they placed Kirk on injured reserve. But the team will get back veteran WR Demarcus Robinson from IR.
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: San Francisco 49ers v Philadelphia Eagles
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: Jauan Jennings #15 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Looking Back at Jennings’ Career in San Francisco
Jennings immediately became a fan-favorite with the 49ers. He earned the nickname “3rd and Jauan” for his clutch receptions on third down.
The 29-year-old recorded 210 receptions for 2,581 yards and 22 touchdowns during his 5-year career in San Francisco.
Jennings’ best season came in 2024. He tallied career-highs in targets (113), receptions (77) and yards (975). He also added 6 touchdowns.
Kyle Har is a sports reporter focused on the MLB and NFL, covering the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers for Heavy.com. He has four years of experience as a sports radio producer at KNBR in San Francisco and works as a co-host for their Warriors postgame show, "Dubs OT," and weekly Warriors talk show "Just Dubs." More about Kyle Har