The San Francisco 49ers were close to reuniting with former wide receiver Jauan Jennings, but the player ultimately decided against the move. According to Jay Glazer on Fox NFL Sunday, the 49ers had worked out trade terms for Jennings, contingent on him agreeing to a FaceTime call with head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.
However, Jennings informed the 49ers that he preferred to stay with the Minnesota Vikings. "Actually, I wanna stay here in Minnesota," Jennings reportedly told the team.
The Vikings entered Week 7 as the NFL's last undefeated team at 6-0. Jennings, who joined the Vikings in the offseason on a one-year deal after five seasons with the 49ers, has seen limited action this season. He has recorded four receptions for 43 yards and no touchdowns while playing in the slot alongside teammates Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Jennings was a seventh-round pick by the 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft. He had a breakout season in 2024, leading the team in receiving touchdowns with nine, and accumulating 77 receptions for 975 yards. His potential return to San Francisco would have provided depth to an injured 49ers wide receiver unit that includes Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, and Christian Kirk.
This is not the first reunion the 49ers have pursued recently; the team also reacquired defensive lineman DeForest Buckner earlier in the week. Other former players like Dre Greenlaw and Deebo Samuel were also brought back during the previous offseason.