We’re approaching the 2025 season. Every year, a few players seize on the right opportunity and surprise fantasy players. The value comes from trying to predict who it will be this time of year and stashing them. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at some 2025 sleeper candidates at each of the key fantasy positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Hopefully, these are players you can acquire at a value that will propel you to fantasy glory.
During the 2024 off-season, the 49ers appeared loaded at receiver. The team had Deebo Samuel, worked to extend Brandon Aiyuk, and drafted Ricky Pearsall. Jauan Jennings, a solid WR3 option, felt like a luxury. And yet, the team extended the receiver last off-season. It turned out to be a good thing, too, as Jennings was a rock while the rest of the group fell apart.
This off-season, the 49ers have a different-looking group. But Jennings seems poised to lead the 49ers’ receiving corps in 2025. Will he stay? Will the 49ers work out a deal? If they do, can he repeat his past success? Let’s weigh the evidence.
The Case for Jauan Jennings
Jennings was more of an afterthought in dynasty in 2024. Samuel, Aiyuk, and the rookie Pearsall were more interesting. But, one by one, that fell apart. Pearsall was shot before the season, missing the start. Aiyuk started slow, then suffered a season-ending injury in Week 7. And Samuel seemed to come and go from the lineup. The one constant was Jennings, who saw a team-best 113 targets. He turned that into solid production, finishing as WR24. He not only led the 49ers, but he also became one of the better receivers in the league.
Everything is in place for him to be a focal point of the passing offense again. Yes, Pearsall looked good to end the season, but Jennings is the veteran who has a good rapport with Brock Purdy. Aiyuk is recovering from injury but isn’t likely to be ready early in the season. Even when he does come on, he will have to work back into shape in the offense. And Samuel has been dealt to the Commanders. That leaves the best and most consistent receiver from 2024 as the likely top target in 2025.
The Case Against Jauan Jennings
But is Jennings going to be a 49er? He received a contract extension last off-season, but it was a short deal with terms comparable to those of a WR3 or WR4 on a run-first team. He inarguably outplayed that deal and, heading into the final year of his contract in 2025, wants that recognition. This is especially true because Aiyuk is recovering, and Samuel is gone. He has said he wants a new contract or to be traded. All that sets a wrinkle in the mix for the 49ers, who have had to make a series of cuts this offseason to afford the monster extension for Purdy.
Will the 49ers meet his demands? Will they trade him? Or will he hold out? Either a trade or a holdout could damage his ability to produce in 2025. Then there’s the question of whether 2024 was an outlier. He saw 113 targets and caught 77 passes. In the three seasons prior, he saw just 127 targets and caught just 68 passes total. His 2024 season was impressive, but his salary request belies the same role and production. If that’s not in the 49ers’ plans, Jennings could quickly lose value.
The Bottom Line
Jennings was a pleasant surprise in 2024. He won’t sneak up on anyone in 2025, and he’s not without risk. A healthy George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey will also limit pass opportunities for all the receivers. Still, it’s hard not to be interested in Jennings as the leader of this 49ers passing group. That’s especially true if he was a stash heading into last season. His current ADP is WR37, and I think he could outplay that. However, the longer this stalemate persists, the more concerned I become. I like Jennings’ upside, but it’s wise to have a plan B.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
