The San Francisco 49ers could use another wide receiver before the NFL trade deadline, but one insider isn’t convinced the Minnesota Vikings would be willing to help.
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco threw cold water on the idea of the 49ers pursuing former receiver Jauan Jennings, questioning why Minnesota would trade him to a team that could benefit from his return. The Vikings, like the 49ers, are undefeated heading into Week 7 and will be vying for a Super Bowl run this year.
“Why would Minnesota throw them a lifeline when they've already paid Jauan Jennings, you know, probably three-quarters of his scheduled salary?” Maiocco said.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport recently suggested Jennings’ name could gain traction as the trade deadline
approaches, citing San Francisco’s latest injury setback.
The 49ers have reason to explore their options at receiver after Deebo Samuel suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for a couple of weeks. Mike Evans is also out for at least one week with an Achilles injury, which leaves the quartet of Christian Kirk coming off injured reserve, veteran Brandin Cooks and the young dup of Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins.
Jennings spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the 49ers after being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft. He developed into a reliable contributor in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, recording 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.
However, a contract dispute clouded his future in San Francisco, and Jennings signed a one-year deal with Minnesota during the offseason.
His first season with the Vikings has gotten off to a quiet start. Through four games, Jennings has just two receptions for nine yards on five targets.
A reunion could make sense for San Francisco given Jennings’ familiarity with quarterback Brock Purdy and Shanahan’s system. But as Maiocco pointed out, Minnesota may have little incentive to send a former 49ers receiver back to a division of the league where he could help his old team.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Insider throws cold water on 49ers’ reunion with former leading WR
