49ers' 1,938-yard playmaker named 'best kept secret' on roster

At the start of the offseason, the San Francisco 49ers traded away star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.

Samuel was traded because of the up-and-coming receivers on the roster, such as Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall.

Aiyuk and Pearsall are expected to be the No. 1 and No. 2 receivers this season, but receiver Jauan Jennings could also play a significant role in the offense.

Jennings has been with the 49ers for four years, and Matt Holder from Bleacher Report thinks Jennings is the "best kept secret" on the 49ers roster.

"San Francisco’s receiving corps was a mess last year between Deebo Samuel’s declining production, Brandon Aiyuk seeking a new contract and then suffering a season-ending knee injury, and Ricky Pearsall beginning the campaign on the NFI list after getting shot in the chest," Holder wrote. "But the silver lining is that it paved the way for Jennings to have a breakout performance. In the three years prior to 2024, the 2020 seventh-round pick had 78 catches for 963 yards and seven touchdowns. But he managed to double his career production last season with 77 grabs, 975 yards and six scores. That sets up for Jennings to be a quality WR3, at the least, now that Samuel is in Washington."

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Jennings has appeared in 60 games for the 49ers, recording 1,938 yards and 13 scores. 

Jennings has the potential to be a breakout star in the league, and quarterback Brock Purdy's new contract could encourage the 25-year-old to play a little more aggressively, knowing he's under a long-term deal.

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