The Washington Commanders have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball this offseason after a disastrous 2025 campaign.
When it comes to the offense, the wide receiver position must be addressed. Terry McLaurin remains under contract, but the team doesn't have an adequate No. 2 because Deebo Samuel is set to be a free agent.
If Samuel doesn't return, adding a running mate for McLaurin becomes a must for a Commanders team that desperately needs to bounce back in 2026.
With that in mind, Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson predicts the Commanders will not re-sign Samuel and will instead sign San Francisco 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings.
"The San Francisco 49ers will make it a top priority to re-sign Jauan Jennings this offseason, especially with Brandon Aiyuk unlikely to return," Johnson writes. "If the franchise tag is not an option, the 28-year-old wideout has every reason to test the open market. Washington Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters was in San Francisco when Jennings was drafted and knows the impact he can have in an offense as a No. 2 receiver. Signing Jennings also positions Washington to use a first-round pick on an edge rusher with the peace of mind of having given Jayden Daniels two viable receiving threats."
With the 49ers set to part ways with Brandon Aiyuk, re-signing Jennings becomes a big priority for San Francisco.
But as we saw this past offseason, when the two sides couldn't get a contract extension done, nothing is a given when it comes to Jennings returning.
Jennings had a career year in 2024, posting 77 catches for 975 yards and six scores, but his production took a step back in 2025, with the veteran wide receiver finishing with 55 catches for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns.
But it is important to note that Jennings was playing through a laundry list of injuries, something he revealed to reporters during the campaign.
Jennings is an elite red-zone target who can make plays at all levels of the field. He would be a strong No. 2 option for Jayden Daniels and running mate opposite McLaurin.
Spotrac projects Jennings will land a two-year, $36.4 million deal in free agency this offseason. Washington is in a fine position to afford that, with the team projected to have $67.3 million in cap space.
The Commanders should look to add a younger wideout in the 2026 NFL draft, but they also must add someone who can contribute right away.
Jennings checks that box and would, at the very least, be a strong bridge option as Washington figures out the long-term picture at wide receiver.
More NFL News
- Browns predicted to hire head coach with.515 win rate who would be great for Shedeur Sanders
- Pats, Bills could battle over offseason trade for $96 million wide receiver
- Giants predicted to hire head coach not named Stefanski or Harbaugh
- Aaron Rodgers rumor reveals how Tomlin's departure impacts QB's future
- NFL insider predicts Steelers will hire play-caller with top-10 defense as head coach