Will the 49ers Trade Jauan Jennings to the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has requested a contract extension from the San Francisco 49ers. If the team does not grant him the raise he seeks, he wants to be traded to a team that will. To prevent a disruptive contract dispute overshadowing training camp, the 49ers are likely to trade Jennings if they choose not to extend him.

According to Bleacher Report, the Pittsburgh Steelers are identified as the top potential trade destination for Jennings. The Steelers acquired DK Metcalf this offseason but still have a significant void in their receiving corps after trading George Pickens. Their depth behind Metcalf is considered shaky, with Robert Woods and Calvin Austin III projected for major roles. Jennings is seen as an affordable option fitting the Steelers' available salary cap space ($24.4 million), with an estimated market value slightly over $10 million per year. Pittsburgh also possesses ample draft capital, including a 2026 third-round pick acquired in the Pickens trade, which could be used in a package to acquire Jennings, potentially including a replacement receiver. Jennings is viewed as an excellent fit next to Metcalf.

However, the 49ers face a dilemma. Trading Jennings for a draft pick and a backup receiver is seen as unaffordable for them because Jennings is currently their best wide receiver. Even upon Brandon Aiyuk's return from injury, there's no guarantee he will match Jennings' performance, who is noted as one of the league's toughest receivers.

Given Jennings' importance to the team, the author predicts the 49ers will extend his contract within the next two weeks.