Jauan Jennings may have seen his 2024 season end dramatically, but he’s still earning praise from NFL greats. Ed McCaffrey, a 13-year NFL veteran and father of 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey, dubbed Jennings a “baller” in a tweet on X.
Christian McCaffrey’s Father in Awe of 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings’ physicality and grit were fully displayed in the 49ers’ 47-24 loss to the Cardinals. The Tennessee native was on the quest for his first 1,000-yard season but unfortunately wasn’t able to achieve it. He fell short after a mid-game ejection owing to a tussle with Arizona’s Sean Murphy-Bunting.
However, McCafrey’s father was impressed. He tweeted, “Jauan Jennings is a baller! WR Blocking is a lost art yet he continues to dominate! Respect! @49ers,” tipping his hat to the wideout’s effort.
Jauan Jennings is a baller! WR Blocking is a lost art yet he continues to dominate! Respect! 👀 @49ers pic.twitter.com/iAEi0ZoQke
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) January 5, 2025
Jennings, a seventh-round pick in 2020, stepped up big for San Francisco in 2024. He registered career-high stats with 77 receptions, 975 yards, and six touchdowns. The 27-year-old, who signed a $15.39 million contract extension in 2024, had a tough year, battling injuries throughout the season.
The 49ers’ offense has been depleted throughout the season. While RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Deebo Samuel, and WR Brandon Aiyuk fought injuries throughout the 2024 season, Jennings took a lead role on Kyle Shanahan’s team, especially the receiving corps.
However, the absence of key players led to a 6-11 record with a disappointing finish to a season riddled with setbacks. McCaffrey, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 13, derailed their playoff hopes. Without McCaffrey, the team lost four of their last five games.
Entering the offseason now, McCaffrey is optimistic about his recovery. “I’m definitely close to being 100%,” he told ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. The 28-year-old RB missed most of the season due to Achilles and knee issues. He is expected to return for OTAs this summer, giving 49ers fans hope for a brighter 2025.
#49ers RB Christian McCaffrey says he's "definitely close" to fully recovered from knee injury that ended his season. McCaffrey told me he would have been able to return had the Niners made the playoffs. Instead, he will continue rehabbing here and expects to be ready for OTAs.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 6, 2025
Jennings has much to look forward to as he enters the second year of a restructured two-year deal. The 49ers wideout will aim to cement his role as a key offensive weapon for Shanahan in the 2025 NFL season.
For now, San Francisco looks ahead to an offseason of rebuilding and redemption after falling short of their sky-high expectations.