49ers $67 million free agent predicted to depart San Francisco for Patriots originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers have a few key players set to hit the free agency market, including wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
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Jennings has been a reliable playmaker for San Francisco over the last few years, but CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles predicts the Tennessee product will leave the 49ers this offseason and sign with the New England Patriots.
Here is what Pereles had to say about Jennings and his potential fit in New England:
“The Patriots rose from one of the NFL’s worst teams to one of its best thanks to hitting it big in 2025 free agency. Still, holes remain, with pass rusher and wide receiver being the most glaring — the latter especially so after the release of Stefon Diggs. Jauan Jennings, 28, steps in as a tough, reliable pass catcher willing to block and work over the middle,” Pereles said.
The Patriots will be in the market for a receiver after cutting Stefon Diggs, and Jennings would be a solid fit in Josh McDaniels’ offense with quarterback Drake Maye.
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Jennings is a dynamic red-zone threat and an over-the-middle target, and his tough playstyle fits the culture head coach Mike Vrabel has built in New England.
Spotrac projects Jennings will land a deal worth $22.6 million annually over three seasons, a total value of $67 million. That is a hefty price tag, but one the Patriots should be willing to pay, given that they have nearly $45 million in cap space and receiver is arguably the most pressing need on the roster.
If Jennings doesn’t return to San Francisco, the Patriots are a logical landing spot for the 28-year-old wide receiver who could break out into a star with a change of scenery.
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