With Tyler Shough now firmly in the fold, the New Orleans Saints are signaling a clear direction: build around their young quarterback, and do it with weapons. The eighth overall pick in the upcoming draft gives them a prime opportunity to add firepower, and many projections have them targeting a wide receiver like Jordyn Tyson to do just that.
But what if the Saints don’t stop there?
There’s a compelling case to be made for doubling down - not just drafting a young playmaker, but also bringing in a veteran presence to round out the receiving corps. And one name that’s starting to gain traction in league circles: Jauan Jennings.
Jennings is set to hit free agency, and signs point to the 49ers letting him walk. After locking up Brandon Aiyuk to a big contract, drafting Ricky Pearsall, and with another receiver-rich draft class coming, San Francisco looks poised to reload rather than re-sign.
That opens the door for a team like New Orleans.
Jennings isn’t your prototypical WR1 - he’s not going to blow past defenders or win with elite separation. But what he brings is grit, physicality, and a knack for making tough catches in traffic. He’s a red zone weapon, a tone-setter, and one of the better run-blocking receivers in the league - the kind of guy who can do the dirty work and still find the end zone.
His 2025 season, despite being marred by some injuries, was quietly productive: 55 catches, 643 yards, and nine touchdowns in 15 games. That’s solid output for a secondary option, and it’s the kind of production that could thrive in a complementary role alongside Chris Olave and a potential rookie like Tyson.
There’s been talk that Jennings could command upwards of $22 million per year, but that figure feels high given his role and skill set. He’s more of a physical possession receiver than a game-breaking threat, and while he’s valuable, he’s not the type you build an offense around. He’s the guy who makes your offense tougher, more versatile, and more complete.
At 28, Jennings is a known quantity. He’s not a long-term project, but he’s a reliable option who brings edge and experience to a young offense. And in a system run by new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore - who’s known for creative play design and maximizing mismatches - Jennings could carve out a meaningful role, particularly in the red zone where his physicality shines.
A pass-catching group featuring Olave, Tyson, Juwan Johnson, and Jennings gives Shough a well-rounded arsenal. Olave stretches the field, Tyson offers youth and upside, Johnson provides size at tight end, and Jennings brings that veteran edge and third-down reliability.
If the price is right, Jennings could be the perfect piece to help accelerate Shough’s development and give the Saints a more complete offensive identity.