Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers just got another potential option to address their vacant No. 2 wide receiver spot.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been looking to add No. 2 wide receiver since trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in May, and one may have just become available to them.
San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who is heading in the final year of his deal, wants a new contract or a trade, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.
“Jennings has approached the 49ers about his request, but little progress has been made, a source told ESPN,” Schefter writes. “If a new deal is not reached by the time training camp starts next week, Jennings plans to request a trade to a team willing to pay him.”
Jennings, 28, is coming off the best season of his five-year NFL career. In 2024, he recorded a career-high 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns while helping to fill in for injured wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who suffered a torn ACL.
The 49ers did extend Jennings’ deal last year as he is scheduled to make $7.5 million this season, but he clearly wants another raise given his production last year.
It remains to be seen whether San Francisco would even entertain a trade since it already dealt wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason. However, if the team is, the Steelers should inquire.
Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room is quite thin after DK Metcalf, who the team acquired in March. Jennings would immediately fill in as its No. 2 wide receiver.
The Steelers must proceed with caution, however. They spent a months-long pursuit for Aiyuk last offseason before he eventually re-signed with the 49ers and don’t want to be used as a pawn in contract negotiations once again.
It’s also unclear what Jenning’s price tag would be, and that’s not even taking into account that Pittsburgh will then have to pay him.
Jenning’s market value is a two-year, $20 million deal, per Spotrac. But it’s safe to assume he is looking for a much larger payday.
A seventh-round pick in 2020, Jennings has 155 receptions for 1,938 yards and 13 touchdowns in his professional career.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: 49ers Star WR Requests New Deal or Trade, Should Steelers Strike?
