Steelers Allegedly Called 49ers About Jauan Jennings And Got A Surprising Response

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an exciting offseason, and there's a lot of hope that Aaron Rodgers may have some vintage football left in him. To make that happen, he'll need reliable weapons at his disposal. While there’s debate over whether the Steelers have given Rodgers enough offensive firepower, it’s certainly not the worst-case scenario. With DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Robert Woods in the wide receiver room, the Steelers have a mix of size, speed, and experience. They also boast a strong tight end group featuring Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington.

Still, some believe the Steelers could use another proven playmaker. That’s why, when news broke of a contract dispute between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Jauan Jennings, General Manager Omar Khan reportedly saw a potential opportunity to improve the receiver depth. Jennings, a tough and physical slot receiver, could have added another layer to an already promising offense built to support Rodgers.

According to a report shared Wednesday by 49ers & NFL News 24/7 on social media, the Steelers reached out to inquire about Jennings. The 49ers, however, wasted no time in shutting it down and made it clear that Jennings is not available. While the attempt didn’t result in a deal, it shows Pittsburgh remains aggressive and willing to explore options to ensure Rodgers has everything he needs to succeed in 2025.

The first thing to note is that the source behind this report was not named, which adds some intrigue. However, the account that shared the information was also very active during the Brandon Aiyuk-to-Steelers trade rumors and was known for sharing accurate updates. That history gives this report a sense of legitimacy in the eyes of many Steelers fans.

The 49ers clearly understand the value of their wide receiver depth, especially after injuries took a toll on their offense in the 2024 season. That was when Jennings stepped up and delivered a career year, leading the team with 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns.

It was a breakout performance for the 28-year-old, and now he’s looking to be paid accordingly. While the 49ers believed they handled his contract situation fairly before the season, Jennings is now pushing for a new deal that reflects his breakout campaign. It’s a tricky situation, and while the 49ers appear committed to keeping Jennings in San Francisco, some believe they could also be playing hardball to drive up his trade value. 

By acting as if he’s completely off the market, they may be trying to pressure the Steelers into offering more if they remain interested. Whether it’s a negotiating tactic or a genuine refusal to move him, all signs currently point to Jennings staying in the Bay Area. Still, with Khan always looking for ways to upgrade the roster, this may not be the last time we hear his name linked to Pittsburgh.

Steelers' Passing Attack Not In The Worst Shape After All

After the Steelers traded George Pickens, there was a lot of concern about the state of the passing attack. However, Metcalf has the ability to carry the offense, and the tight end group should be dominant and nearly impossible to scheme against defensively. 

If the Steelers use their tight ends properly, they can not only get by with their current wide receiver room, but actually thrive with it. Austin is speedy and has improved every season, Wilson is hungry to prove himself, and Woods is a reliable veteran who can be counted on in key moments.

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