The New England Patriots decided to cut ties with their top 2025 wide receiver, Stefon Diggs. That's a loss of 85 receptions and more than 1000 yards, as well. It leaves a huge gap in the Patriots' offensive weaponry for their MVP-level quarterback, Drake Maye.
That needs to be filled with a No. 1 receiver, but in addition, adding a secondary target would be great. One free agent who'd be a nice No. 2 receiver would be the 49ers' free agent Jauan Jennings.
The 28-year-old Jennings presents a big target at 6'3" and 212 pounds, and he's been productive for the 49ers. His signing, however, will in no way diminish the necessity of replacing Diggs and his production. One candidate to do that is Alec Pierce of the Colts, who'll be highly sought after and will require a bagful of cash to sign.
Another option would be to trade for a top receiver like A.J. Brown of the Eagles. That will cost not only salary-wise but also in a haul of valuable draft picks. Cutting Diggs has created a major issue for Mike Vrabel that can't go unsolved.
Regardless, Jennings would be a nice option to slot in behind whoever takes that No. 1 spot.
Jauan Jennings would be a cost-effective and solid No. 2 receiver
Adding Jauan Jennings won't be cheap but neither should it break the bank. He had a breakout season in 2024 with 77 receptions for 977 yards and six touchdowns. Yet, his production slipped in 2025 with 55 catches for 643 yards, though he still caught nine touchdown passes. That dip in production may mitigate some of Vrabel's costs.
Bleacher Report suggested a perfect free agent signing for every NFL team. One 49er they think would be a great fit for the Raiders is wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
"The Raiders offense is hitting the reset button this offseason. Not only will they have a new scheme and philosophy with Klint Kubiak at the helm, but they will presumably draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. Alec Pierce and Mike Evans would be splashier signings and the Raiders have the money to chase them.
However, Jennings has been a really nice fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense, and he does all the little things that could help Kubiak establish his culture in Vegas."
If Vrabel is serious about building a top receiving corps around Drake Maye, the Patriots should seriously consider adding Jennings themselves. For too many seasons, Bill Belichick tried to slip by without the best weapons for Tom Brady.
He was great enough to make do without them. Yet, Vrabel shouldn't make the same mistake with Maye.
Mike Vrabel should sign Jauan Jennings to be the Patriots' No. 2 receiver
If Vrabel can secure a No. 1 receiver like Pierce or Brown, then he'd be prudent to bolster the room further with Jennings. He's a receiver who knows how to get into the end zone. He'd be another big red zone target for Maye. It would allow him to part company with Pop Douglas and/or another receiver in the unit.
Of course, to make all of this work, Vrabel still needs to further revamp his offensive line to give Maye the time he needs to find whoever will be on the other end of his passes. That's Job One this offseason, followed by signing or drafting edge players who get sacks.
Jauan Jennings isn't a No. 1 receiver, nor will he cost as much as Pierce will. Yet, he'd still be a valuable part of a receiving corps that will hopefully boast not only that No. 1 receiver but Jennings, Mack Hollins, maybe Kayshon Boutte, and the second-year player who should start in the slot, Efton Chism III.
Mike Vrabel has a lot of work to do this offseason. No one said it would be easy, though it looked that way in 2025. This season's divisional winners' schedule will be exponentially harder, though, and he needs to add to his offense to maximize his young franchise quarterback's abilities.
Signing Jauan Jennings would be another step toward doing just that.