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The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a position to make a bold move that could reshape their offensive identity for the coming season.
With a reputation for physical football and a renewed focus on surrounding their quarterback with reliable playmakers, the Steelers have every reason to pursue a proven wide receiver who can thrive in high-leverage moments. Jauan Jennings, currently embroiled in a contract standoff with the San Francisco 49ers, emerges as the ideal target.
Why Jauan Jennings is the right fit for Pittsburgh
Jauan Jennings is coming off a breakout campaign, posting 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. He thrived as a starter, especially after Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending injury, and proved himself as a dependable chain-mover and red-zone threat.
Jennings’ 6-foot-3 frame, willingness to block, and toughness over the middle are tailor-made for the Steelers’ brand of football.
Pittsburgh’s receiving corps, while talented with the addition of DK Metcalf, lacks a consistent, physical presence who can dominate on third downs and in contested-catch situations outside of Metcalf. The supporting cast aside from Metcalf remains unproven. Adding Jennings would not only elevate the offense but also provide a veteran mentor for the team’s younger receivers.
San Francisco’s front office faces a difficult decision. Jennings, entering the final year of his two-year, $15.4 million contract, is demanding a new deal or a trade. With the 49ers’ cap situation strained by recent extensions for Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner, and after trading Deebo Samuel, the team is balancing immediate needs with long-term flexibility.
The 49ers are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season and are looking to retool around younger, cost-controlled talent. While Jennings is a valuable asset, his contract demands and the team’s crowded receiver room make a trade increasingly likely if no new deal is reached before training camp.
The perfect trade proposal for Jauan Jennings
Here’s the ideal trade package that would benefit both franchises:
Steelers receive:
- Jauan Jennings
49ers receive:
- 2025 third-round pick
- Calvin Austin III
- 2026 fifth-round pick
Jennings gives the Steelers a proven, physical wideout who can immediately slot in as a starter opposite DK Metcalf. His ability to win contested catches, block in the run game, and deliver in the red zone fills a glaring need in Pittsburgh’s offense.
The Steelers, with ample cap space and a desire to maximize their current window can absorb Jennings’ $7.5 million salary and offer him the extension he seeks.
For the 49ers, this deal provides both immediate and future value. The third-round pick adds to their already substantial 2025 draft capital, giving them flexibility to address needs at defensive tackle, edge rusher, or offensive tackle.
Calvin Austin III, still on his rookie deal, offers San Francisco a speedy, high-upside weapon who could flourish in Kyle Shanahan’s creative scheme. The fifth-rounder offers further draft capital for the rebuilding 49ers. Most importantly, the Niners avoid a contract impasse and maintain roster flexibility.
Steelers’ offensive outlook with Jauan Jennings
Integrating Jennings into the Steelers’ offense would be transformative. He projects as a go-to target on third downs and in the red zone, where his size and physicality create matchup nightmares. Jennings’ presence would allow Metcalf to operate more freely as a deep threat, while other young receivers can develop without the pressure of being primary options.
The Steelers' new playcaller Aaron Rodgers would benefit immensely from Jennings’ catch radius, reliability, and toughness. His skill set aligns perfectly with Pittsburgh’s vision of a balanced, physical offense capable of imposing its will late in games.
With Jennings, the Steelers’ passing attack becomes more versatile and less reliant on unproven talent, making them a more dangerous opponent for AFC defenses.
If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would be watching Aaron Rodgers throwing passes to DK Metcalf for the Steelers – I would have assumed you were talking about on Madden. pic.twitter.com/NxSdawtFWK
— Trey Carney (@CarneyMedia) June 10, 2025
San Francisco’s willingness to move Jennings signals a commitment to reshaping the roster around younger, cheaper talent. The addition of Calvin Austin III gives the 49ers a dynamic, moldable receiver who could thrive in a system that values versatility and speed. The extra draft capital positions the 49ers to address pressing needs, whether in the trenches or in the secondary.
This trade proposal represents a win-win for both organizations. The Steelers acquire a proven difference-maker who can elevate their offense and help them contend in a loaded AFC North.
The 49ers gain valuable assets and avoid future cap headaches, all while maintaining a competitive roster. Jennings’ physical style and big-play ability make him the perfect fit for Pittsburgh, while San Francisco’s forward-thinking approach ensures they remain a factor in the NFC for years to come.
If both sides are willing, this deal could set the stage for a transformative season in Pittsburgh and a new era in San Francisco. The time is right for the Steelers to strike and for the 49ers to turn a contract impasse into a springboard for future success.
