New England Patriots - NESN.com
The Patriots have a receiver room full of warm bodies. It’s an improved group from past seasons, no doubt. But it’s still a collective that rivals the worst in the league.
It’s why the Patriots should be interested in Jauan Jennings.
The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is unhappy with his current contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday. Jennings reportedly wants to receive a new deal from the Niners or plans to request a trade to a team willing to pay him. The 49ers reportedly feel they’ve treated Jennings fairly after signing him to an extension last offseason. If the two sides remain at odds, there’s likely to be a trade request on the horizon.
What would Jennings cost in a trade? And what is he seeking in his next contract? Eliot Wolf and company should make a cross-country call and get those answers. The Patriots shouldn’t extend themselves for a player like Jennings, but should pursue if the cost of doing business and future finances make sense.
The Patriots have nine wideouts competing for some six or so spots. Offseason signings Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins as well as second-round rookie Kyle Williams will take up the first three. One could assume DeMario Douglas is the next in line.
After that group, though, there are plenty of questions. Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and undrafted signee Efton Chism III all will compete for the final few roster spots.
Jennings, however, has proven superior as a complementary piece. He’d be a WR2 behind a healthy Diggs in New England or WR3 in a very good situation. The Patriots aren’t a very good situation, as evidenced by recent rankings on ESPN and Pro Football Focus.
No Patriots receiver other than Diggs has posted the single-season production Jennings did in 2024. The 28-year-old, who enters his fifth season in the league, posted career highs in receptions (77), targets (113), receiving yards (975) and touchdowns (six). He more than doubled his previous career marks in catches, targets and yards — all of which came in 2022.
Jennings made the most of an increased workload as the 49ers struggled to stay healthy with Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey sidelined for the majority of the season and Deebo Samuel also missing time.
He also has been lauded by Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan for his willingness to get dirty in the run game. It helped Jennings see the field on 90% or more of snaps in seven of the final nine games. Safe to say Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would appreciate such a mindset, as well.
The Patriots have the need. The Patriots have the draft capital. The Patriots have the financial flexibility, as well. So while Jennings, who’s about to entire his prime, might not be the same WR1 as others they’ve pursued, it’s fair to think he’d still improve the cast around second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
