Wide receiver Jauan Jennings expected a big market in free agency, but he is still available after not reaching a new contract with the San Francisco 49ers .
The Green Bay Packers allowed Romeo Doubs to walk in free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles for a pair of draft picks, so the wide receiver room will inevitably go through significant changes in 2026. While general manager Brian Gutekunst is always thinking about long-term options, weird free agency dynamics could transform Jauan Jennings into a viable target after the draft.
Jennings and his representatives possibly overplayed his market. Even though Spotrac
projected him to make $22.6 million a year in free agency, it sounds like nobody has been willing to pay him anything close to that.
Instead of re-signing him, the San Francisco
49ers opted to add veteran Mike Evans
instead, in a team-friendlier deal, so Jennings is still available.
At the moment, it doesn't make sense for any team to sign him, because he would still affect the compensatory pick formula. But after the draft, depending on who the teams take, there should be a new round of veteran free agent signings - and Jennings is a viable alternative for many.
The idea behind the Packers trading Dontayvion Wicks
is that four of their six wide receivers who were essentially locks to make the 53-man roster had expiring deals, so the Packers move one of them to open space for a potential draft picks, who would be under contract through 2029.
Right now, Jauan Jennings would probably sign a one-year, prove-it deal to get back to free agency next offseason, so it might not make sense for the Packers. But that's not apples to apples, and it could be a way for Green Bay to generate extra future draft capital.
In this scenario, the Packers should be willing to carry seven receivers on the roster, which they have already done several times under Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur. Jennings would essentially replace Doubs, while giving the team more flexibility and time to develop young guys like Savion Williams
and the new draft picks - Matthew Golden
is a different consideration, as he should play more and have more targets anyhow.
Next offseason, with the young guys readier to step in, Jennings could go back to free agency and sign a long-term deal elsewhere. That would help the Packers get a compensatory draft pick in 2028.
A seventh-round pick back in 2020, Jauan Jennings played his first six NFL seasons in San Francisco. Mostly a backup receiver and special teamer to start his tenure, he had a breakout year in 2024 with 975 yards and six touchdowns. Last season, he had 643 yards and nine touchdowns.
Jennings is not a star player, but he has some shades of Romeo Doubs
: A reliable receiver who knows the offensive system and can be a solid redzone option for Jordan Love
while younger players develop.
At this point, his market could be too enticing for the Packers not to consider it.
