Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings declined a potential trade that would have returned him to the San Francisco 49ers, according to a report by Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. The two organizations had already established the parameters for the trade before Jennings decided against the move.
To finalize the agreement, Jennings was asked to speak with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch on a FaceTime call to give his approval. However, Jennings opted to stay with the unbeaten Vikings rather than rejoin his former team.
Jennings’ Role in Minnesota
Despite choosing to remain in Minnesota, Jennings has seen limited production in the passing game. Although he has logged 70.5% of the offensive snaps through five games, he has caught just four passes for 43 yards with Kyler Murray under center.
Jennings previously spent five seasons in San Francisco, accumulating 210 receptions, 2,581 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns. He developed into a key target for quarterback Brock Purdy, setting a career high with 975 receiving yards in 2024 and a career-best nine touchdown catches in 2025. Over his final two seasons with the 49ers, Jennings ranked second on the squad in receptions and receiving yards behind tight end George Kittle, while sharing the team lead with Kittle at 15 touchdown receptions. Jennings also led San Francisco in third-down catches (47), third-down yards (546), red-zone targets, fourth-quarter targets, and third-down targets during that span.
Contract Background and 49ers’ Roster Needs
Prior to his departure from San Francisco, Jennings requested a trade amidst a contract dispute before agreeing to a modified, incentive-based deal. He entered free agency following the 2025 season and eventually signed a one-year contract worth up to $13 million with Minnesota after finding a limited market.
San Francisco sought to acquire Jennings due to injuries in its receiving corps, as Mike Evans has been hampered by rib and Achilles injuries while Deebo Samuel remains out with a hamstring strain. Jennings’ decision to stay put came during a busy NFL trade deadline period that also saw Quenton Nelson move to Seattle, Jeffery Simmons traded to Chicago, and Marvin Harrison Jr. acquired by Houston.
