Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings declined a trade that would have sent him back to the San Francisco 49ers, according to a report. The Vikings had a framework in place for the deal, which required Jennings to agree to a return via a FaceTime call with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. Jennings chose to remain with the undefeated Vikings despite a limited role in the offense.
Trade Context
The 2026 NFL trade deadline has seen significant moves, including the Seattle Seahawks acquiring eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson, the Chicago Bears trading two first-round picks for Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, and the Houston Texans reuniting quarterback C.J. Stroud with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Jennings' Season and Career Numbers
Through five games this season, Jennings has played 70.5% of offensive snaps but caught only four passes for 43 yards. In five seasons with the 49ers, he recorded 210 receptions for 2,581 yards and 22 touchdowns. He posted a career-high 975 receiving yards in 2024 and a career-high nine touchdown receptions in 2025. Over the past two seasons, Jennings ranked second on the team in receptions and receiving yards behind tight end George Kittle, and tied Kittle for the most receiving touchdowns with 15. He led the 49ers in red-zone targets, fourth-quarter targets, and third-down targets, and had the most third-down receptions (47) and yards (546) of any 49er over that span.
Contract Situation
Jennings was involved in a contract dispute last summer and requested a trade from San Francisco before agreeing to a modified incentive-based deal. After the 2025 season, he entered free agency expecting a significant contract but settled for a one-year deal with Minnesota worth up to $13 million.
49ers' Receiver Injuries
The 49ers could have used Jennings' return, as their receiving corps is dealing with injuries: Mike Evans is managing rib and Achilles issues, and Deebo Samuel is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Jennings expressed a desire to stay in the NFC North with the Vikings.
