The 2024 San Francisco 49ers have hardly been the star-laden juggernaut NFL fans have come to expect in recent years.
Through three games, the 1-2 49ers have seen almost every big name on their roster miss time dealing with injuries. Christian McCaffrey. Deebo Samuel. George Kittle. Javon Hargrave. Talanoa Hufanga. The list goes on, and the season isn't even a month old.
Through the injuries, the surprising breakout stars of the 49ers season have been second-year running back Jordan Mason and longtime bench receiver Jauan Jennings. Though All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk has yet to miss a game, it's Jennings who leads San Francisco in receiving.
Jennings has been incredibly valuable to the injury-ravaged 49ers offense, but the 49ers may consider capitalizing on that value via trade as they get healthier. Liam Walters of TWSN predicted that the 49ers would send Jennings to the Steelers for a fifth-round pick at this season's trade deadline.
"If the Steelers want a great second option for the remainder of the year, trading for Jennings would do great things for that Steelers franchise that could be contenders in the AFC," Walters said.
Walters also urged the 49ers to deal Jennings quickly, before rookie first-round pick Ricky Pearsall returns to the lineup after being shot through the chest during a robbery before the season began.
"Jennings would ultimately be the fourth string wide receiver on that team that wouldn’t get as many reps as he should," Walters said. "So getting a fifth-round pick would be perfect for them for someone they were going to let walk in free agency later down the line."
Not only does Jennings lead the 49ers in receiving yards through three games, but he has over 100 more yards than his closest competitor. He has 276 yards through the air, while Samuel is second with 164.
Walters may be right that Jennings is fourth on the 49ers depth chart in terms of pure talent, but he's proven to be a steady hand in big moments. After all, he's earned the nickname "Third and Jauan" during his four-year 49ers tenure for a reason.
Trading Jennings would be a big risk for these 49ers, but it could be an opportunity to recoup some draft capital and balance out the payroll in years to come. But it's hard to see a team that's all-in on a championship dealing a receiver who has become a security blanket.
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