SANTA CLARA \u2013 In a similar theme to past 49ers offseasons, one of the team\u2019s star players is awaiting a new contract.<\/p>\n
Contrary to those previous instances, however, the standout player was on the field for Day 1 of training camp Wednesday in Santa Clara.<\/p>\n
Jauan Jennings, who has demanded a new contract or to be traded, was a full participant at practice. It wasn\u2019t a surprise to coach Kyle Shanahan, as the 49ers expected their star receiver to take the field after he reported to camp Tuesday, but something Shanahan certainly appreciates given past situations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s always important for anyone on the Niners, but definitely coaching-wise, you want everyone out there on the field, especially some of your better players,\u201d Shanahan said after practice. \u201cJauan’s been a hell of a player here for us for a while, one of our leaders too, and he had a good practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Right at the 49ers began practice, Shanahan walked over to Jennings and hugged him.<\/p>\n
What would be perceived as an ordinary greeting between a player and coach on a different day, the short exchange held a little more significance given the current state of Jennings and the 49ers.<\/p>\n
Just one year ago, Shanahan and the 49ers were in a similar situation with star wideout Brandon Aiyuk and his contract \u201chold-in.\u201d While Aiyuk was present at training camp, he refused to participate until his contract was finalized.<\/p>\n
San Francisco has dealt with full-on, long-standing contract holdouts with players such as Trent Williams, Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel.<\/p>\n
Not this year.<\/p>\n
Jennings had a breakout 2024 NFL campaign, and after Aiyuk got hurt last season, Jennings rose to the occasion and became one of quarterback Brock Purdy\u2019s most reliable targets. He finished as San Francisco\u2019s top wide receiver with 77 receptions, 975 yards and six touchdowns.<\/p>\n
General manager John Lynch told reporters Tuesday that he \u201chad a good visit\u201d with Jennings, who embodies what being a 49er is all about.<\/p>\n
That was evident less than 24 hours later as Jennings showed up on Day 1, something Shanahan believes could make things easier versus the wideout taking the hold-in or hold-out route.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. I mean, we know Jauan and Jauan knows us. I think the other way makes it harder,\u201d Shanahan said. \u201cBut I don’t really compare things to other years and other people. People have plans. It’s a business, usually a plan between a player and agent, and we see it happen all over the league. It has happened with us.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd it’s something I try not to get too worked up about, because there’s not always much I can do about it. So I always try to recommend them to do what I think will help him the most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jennings continued to build his on-the-field chemistry with Purdy, catching multiple passes from the quarterback at Wednesday\u2019s practice.<\/p>\n
Jennings\u2019 presence was appreciated by more than Shanahan and the coaching staff. A veteran leader such as Kittle, who has seen every hold-out and hold-in surrounding the 49ers in recent years, is grateful Jennings didn\u2019t let the business side of the game affect his preparation.<\/p>\n
\u201cJauan\u2019s always out there with me. He\u2019s doing great,\u201d Kittle said. \u201cJauan was awesome today. Great energy in the locker room yesterday. Great energy today. His normal self. So I just appreciate him, attacking it like there\u2019s nothing going on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jennings appeared to be in good spirits on the field, dancing in between reps and hyping up his teammates as he led the group\u2019s drills.<\/p>\n
With several question marks hovering over San Francisco\u2019s receiver room entering the 2025 season, Jennings seems as crucial to the 49ers\u2019 offense as ever.<\/p>\n
But even more, his infectious energy and admirable leadership spoke volumes on Day 1.<\/p>\n
“He seemed like Jauan,” Shanahan said.<\/p>\n