Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Former Vols WR Jauan Jennings at the center of NFL rumors after first round of 2024 NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated 4/26/24

Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who has spent the first four years of his pro career with the San Francisco 49ers, is at the center of some NFL rumors after the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

On Thursday night, the 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick.

San Francisco already has Jennings, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk on the roster.

The addition of Pearsall led to some immediate speculation that the 49ers could be looking to trade a wide receiver.

Aiyuk and Samuel are the names most commonly connected to the idea that San Francisco could trade a wide receiver. Jennings, however, has seen his name attached to the rumors, too.

If Steelers Can’t Land Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings Could Be Trade Target https://t.co/dCtGp6ouXb #Steelers #Pittsburgh #NFL pic.twitter.com/NGUKsROJAK
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 26, 2024

Jauan Jennings value is probably as high as it’s going to be coming off the Super Bowl. Who’s to say Pearsall doesn’t take his spot and allow the Niners to trade Jennings instead of Deebo or Aiyuk?

Just a thought.
— Matty_Ice88 (@Matty_Ice_888) April 26, 2024

Jennings will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season. And despite not putting up gaudy numbers, he should be a coveted wide receiver on the free agent market.

That's if Jennings reaches free agency.

NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco noted on Friday afternoon that the 49ers would still like to sign Jennings to an extension this offseason.

As I noted on the podcast, the 49ers would still like to sign WR Jauan Jennings to a contact extension this offseason, but they’ve had more pressing concerns in recent weeks.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) April 26, 2024

It's possible that the 49ers drafted Pearsall as insurance in case they can't sign Jennings to an extension. Or maybe they keep Jennings and trade Samuel and roll with Pearsall as one of their top three wide receivers along with Aiyuk.

Ultimately, Jennings has a bright future in the NFL. He's carved out an excellent role for himself in the NFL and if the 49ers don't pay him, another NFL team will be more than happy to send some cash his way.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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