SANTA CLARA — Jauan Jennings’ contract situation has been cleared as he has signed an extension that locks him in with the 49ers through the next two seasons.
The deal will pay Jennings $15.4 million (including $10.5 million guaranteed) through 2025, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 49ers confirmed Jennings was signed just as they were beginning their practice session Wednesday.
As for fellow wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, his contract stalemate is ongoing, though two months remain before training camp and a firmer deadline to make a deal.
Both Aiyuk and Jennings had stayed away from the 49ers’ voluntary offseason program ahead of the potential final year of their respective contracts.
In March, the 49ers extended Jennings a second-round tender as a restricted free agent that calls for a $4.89 million salary. Wednesday’s deal pays him a higher annual salary and comes with a one-year extension through the 2025 season.
Jennings was the 49ers’ breakout player in their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, producing a touchdown pass and a touchdown catch while also coming through in the clutch on third down, as he has done over the past three seasons.
Of his 78 career receptions, 40 have come on third down, and 32 resulted in a conversion. Stats don’t define his worth to the 49ers’ offense. His physical style riles up opponents and sets an intimidating tone.
Jennings has had just one touchdown catch in each of the past two regular seasons. A 2020 seventh-round pick, he spent that season on the practice squad, then tallied 24 receptions for 282 yards and five touchdowns in 2021 and won the team’s Thomas Herrion Award, given to a player who takes advantage of his opportunity. In 2022, he had a career-high 35 receptions for 416 yards. Last year, he had 19 catches for 265 yards.