A deal was in place but the receiver told Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch he'd rather stay with the undefeated Vikings.
The 49ers thought they had their guy. San Francisco, thin at receiver and fresh off a trade for DeForest Buckner, worked out terms with Minnesota to bring Jauan Jennings back to the team he played for from 2021 to 2025. There was just one catch: the deal needed Jennings himself to sign off.
According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, that sign-off never came. The trade was contingent on Jennings hopping on a FaceTime call with Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to confirm he wanted to return. Instead, Jennings told them he wanted to stay in Minnesota.
It's a notable vote of confidence in the Vikings, who remain undefeated this season, even though Jennings has caught just four passes so far. Minnesota had already added Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad, a move widely read as a message to Jennings about his standing with the team.
For the 49ers, it's a second straight reunion attempt with a twist. They've recently brought back Dre Greenlaw and Deebo Samuel from their 2019 draft class, plus Buckner this week. Jennings, for now, is staying put.