Awaiting a new contract extension, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings requested a trade earlier in the offseason, according to general manager John Lynch. Speaking to reporters in Santa Clara on Wednesday, Lynch confirmed speculation regarding Jennings’ absence from training camp, saying that both a contract dispute and a calf injury have played roles in the situation.
“There’s a lot that goes into that,” Lynch said. “Both things can be true, you know. He wants a new contract, and he’s got a hurt calf, so I think people want to assume one or the other. Both things can be true.”
Lynch also emphasized that the team has addressed and moved past Jennings’ request: “He asked for [a trade] and we’ve moved on (… ) We’re not doing that, so we’re moving forward.”
The San Francisco 49ers’ receiving group is dealing with multiple absences heading into the start of the 2025 season. In addition to Jennings’ uncertain status, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing are unavailable, while Demarcus Robinson remains suspended. As a result, Ricky Pearsall, Skyy Moore (who joined last week), and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (whose signing was announced Wednesday) are currently the only healthy wide receivers on the roster.
Valdes-Scantling signed with the 49ers after being released by Seattle earlier this week. The veteran wideout recorded 385 yards and four touchdowns on 35 targets during 2024, splitting time between Buffalo and New Orleans before joining San Francisco.
San Francisco opens its regular season Sept. 7 against Seattle. The team will then face New Orleans on Sept. 14, host Arizona on Sept. 21 and Jacksonville on Sept. 28, before visiting Los Angeles Rams Oct. 2.
Quarterback Brock Purdy could use another familiar target as the season begins; it remains unclear whether Jennings will be available due to his injury or ongoing contract negotiations.
