49ers Brace for Key Offensive Losses as Free Agency Opens

ESPN insider Adam Schefter says the 49ers are set to lose wide receiver Jauan Jennings, while the future of star left tackle Trent Williams remains uncertain.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers are facing significant losses on the offensive side of the ball as NFL free agency opens. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the team is likely to lose wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who is expected to command a lucrative multi-year deal on the open market. Additionally, the 49ers are struggling to reach an agreement on a contract extension with All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, raising questions about his future with the team.

Why it matters

Jennings and Williams are two of the 49ers' most important offensive players. Losing Jennings would leave a significant hole in the team's receiving corps, while parting ways with Williams would deprive quarterback Brock Purdy of his best pass protector. These potential losses come at a critical time for the 49ers as they look to build around Purdy and remain in contention for a Super Bowl.

The details

Jennings, a seventh-round draft pick in 2020, has emerged as one of the 49ers' most reliable receivers over the past two seasons. In 2025, he caught 55 passes for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. However, with his market value estimated at around $22.6 million per year, the 49ers may not be able to afford to keep him. Meanwhile, the future of Trent Williams, one of the best left tackles in the NFL, is also uncertain. The 37-year-old is set to carry a $39 million cap hit in the final year of his contract, and the two sides have reportedly reached an impasse in contract negotiations. Trading or releasing Williams would result in a significant dead cap charge for the 49ers, making it a difficult decision.

  • On March 9, 2026, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers are likely to lose Jauan Jennings in free agency.
  • Also on March 9, 2026, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the 49ers are now open to trading Trent Williams if a contract resolution cannot be reached.

The players

Jauan Jennings

A wide receiver who has been with the San Francisco 49ers since being drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has emerged as one of the team's most reliable receivers over the past two seasons.

Trent Williams

An All-Pro left tackle who has been with the 49ers since 2020. He is considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL and has been a key protector for quarterback Brock Purdy.

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What they’re saying

“Jauan Jennings is out there. It looks like the 49ers will be losing Jauan Jennings.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Insider (The Pat McAfee Show)

“The 49ers are now open to trading Trent Williams if a contract resolution cannot be reached.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider (NFL Network)

What’s next

The 49ers will need to make difficult decisions in the coming weeks regarding the futures of Jauan Jennings and Trent Williams. If they are unable to retain Jennings, they will need to find a suitable replacement in free agency or the draft. As for Williams, the team will have to determine whether they can reach a contract agreement that works for both sides or if they will have to explore trading the veteran left tackle.

The takeaway

The 49ers are facing significant challenges on the offensive side of the ball as they enter the free agency period. Losing both Jauan Jennings and Trent Williams would be a major blow to their chances of contending for a Super Bowl in 2026. The front office will need to navigate these complex situations carefully to ensure they can field a competitive team around quarterback Brock Purdy.