The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their eye on San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver talent for a while now. A few summers back, they tried to bring Brandon Aiyuk to Pittsburgh. Fast forward a couple of years, and it seems they might have another shot at landing a 49ers receiver-this time without giving up any trade capital.
Jauan Jennings, a standout receiver for the Niners, has caught the attention of many, including The Ringer’s Austin Gayle, who ranked him as the 14th top free agent in this year’s cycle. Only George Pickens and Alec Pierce were ranked higher among wideouts. Gayle suggests that Jennings would be a perfect fit for the Steelers as he heads into his sixth NFL season.
Jennings is known for his reliable hands and ability to play through contact, consistently winning matchups over the middle of the field. These skills have made him one of the league’s top chain movers.
Over the past two seasons, he ranks tied for fourth in first-down conversions per route run on third down. Plus, he's as tough as they come-last October, he revealed he was playing through significant injuries, including high and low ankle sprains, a shoulder at "20 percent," and five broken ribs.
At 28, Jennings has impressive 17-game averages: 48 receptions, 585 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. Two seasons ago, he hit career highs with 77 receptions and 975 receiving yards.
Even though injuries and the absence of starting quarterback Brock Purdy for seven games kept Jennings from posting explosive numbers in 2025, he remained a reliable target on crucial downs. Once Purdy returned in Week 11, Jennings found the end zone frequently. With Jakobi Myers securing a three-year, $60 million extension with the Jaguars, Jennings’s market value could start at a similar figure.
For the Steelers, adding a player like Jennings could be a game-changer, providing a dependable option in critical situations and adding depth to their receiving corps.