For the first time since Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers offense was playing at full strength in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals. But, they were still without Brandon Aiyuk, as he recovers from a brutal knee injury.
Aiyuk's absence from the team has made his massive extension, worth $120 million, look like a huge mistake. While he can still return and help the San Francisco offense, Aiyuk isn't showing any signs that his return is imminent.
But, beyond the on-field impact of Aiyuk, he's also becoming a big issue for the 49ers in free agency. Jauan Jennings is a free agent after this season, and as Nick Wagoner of ESPN highlights, Aiyuk's contract likely forces the 49ers to let Jennings walk in the offseason.
Brandon Aiyuk is holding Jauan Jennings back from a 49ers extension
"While the 49ers won't close the door on bringing Jennings back," Wagoner writes, "they won't tag him and are unlikely to sign him to a significant deal unless they move on from Aiyuk's $30 million per year contract."
The presence of Aiyuk's massive contract is what's likely to hold the 49ers back from being able to extend Jennings to a contract the veteran receiver is looking for.
This last offseason, Jennings was seeking an extension, and while he had his contract revised, he's still set to hit the open market and seek a big contract.
As long as the 49ers have Aiyuk under contract at his current value, and Jennings is seeking out a big deal, there seems to be little chance that San Francisco can bring Jennings back.
More: 49ers' Kyle Shanahan provides injury update on Brandon Aiyuk after Week 11
Jennings has 32 receptions for 378 yards and three touchdowns this season for the 49ers, and has been the leading receiver with Ricky Pearsall missing time, and Aiyuk's return on hold.
While Aiyuk has shown the ability to be an elite receiver, he's been banged up the last two seasons, and heading into Week 12, he's yet to play for the 49ers.
With the Aiyuk injury lingering and Jennings' future in San Francisco uncertain, the 49ers have a clear need at wide receiver this upcoming offseason.
Barring some big changes to Jennings' contract demands and Aiyuk's status on the 49ers, Jennings is likely to depart in the offseason for a new team.
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