The San Francisco 49ers have had to make a couple of significant decisions inside the wide receiver room this offseason. They made major headlines by signing both future Hall of Famer Mike Evans to a three-year deal and former 1,000-yard receiver Christian Kirk to a one-year deal. In corresponding moves, the organization has had to move on from notable pass-catchers such as Kendrick Bourne and likely Brandon Aiyuk.
Another free-agent wide receiver who seems unlikely to return to the Bay Area in 2026 is Jauan Jennings. Now that the NFL Draft is over, Jennings is believed to be the top free agent available, according to Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay.
Jauan Jennings Proved to Be a Serviceable Player on the San Francisco 49ers
GettyJauan Jennings was drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round out of Tennessee in 2020.
Here is what Kay had to write on Tuesday regarding why Jennings is the best free agent available in the NFL:
“It’s a surprise that Jauan Jennings is still available more than a month after the start of free agency…He provides ideal size and physicality for an outside pass-catcher. He’s an excellent route-runner and tough to bring down after the catch…Expect Jennings to play a large role wherever he ultimately signs. The big-bodied possession receiver has the talent and versatility to thrive in any system and will quickly become a top target for his next QB.”
Fresh off a visit with the Minnesota Vikings, the 28-year-old Jennings could be close to signing with a new team. Two seasons removed from a career year in 2024, where he recorded 77 receptions for 975 yards in just 15 games, Jennings has a great chance to find more opportunities elsewhere. He also led the Niners in touchdown catches this past season with nine.
How the 49ers Have Prepared for Jennings’ Exit
GettyMike Evans is set to turn 33 years of age in August.
While the Niners are seemingly moving on from Jennings, they are getting a clear upgrade with Evans. Despite coming off the worst season of his career in 2025, Evans, at his best, is one of the elite pass-catchers of this era. Before 2025, the six-time Pro-Bowler had recorded over 1,000 yards receiving in 11 consecutive seasons to start his career, which is an NFL record. He is second among active wide receivers in both career receiving yards (13,052) and receiving touchdowns (108).
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing over 230 pounds, he is also a bigger option than Jennings. The jobs of 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy are sure to be made a little bit easier with Evans in the fold.
Having other veterans such as Kirk and former Super Bowl champion receiver DeMarcus Robinson will help, as well. Furthermore, GM John Lynch chose to draft Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling with the first pick in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft. Throw in third-year receiver Ricky Pearsall, who is coming off his own career year, and the Niners are set up for a great season through the air.
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