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49ers’ $70 Million WR Shocks NFL with Future Deal with Steelers – Publicly Admits He’s No Longer in 49ers' Long-Term Plans

January 22, 2026

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, San Francisco 49ers’ star wide receiver Jauan Jennings has confirmed he has signed a future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This decision comes after Jennings publicly admitted that the 49ers no longer consider him part of their long-term plans, despite the projected $70 million deal he is expected to command as an unrestricted free agent following his standout 2025 season.

Jennings, who has been a reliable and productive receiver for the 49ers since being drafted in the seventh round in 2020, revealed that his relationship with the organization had drastically changed over the past few seasons. Although he posted career-high numbers in 2025 with 55 receptions for 643 yards and nine touchdowns (leading the team in TD catches), his time with San Francisco had not fully aligned with his expectations for a long-term commitment, especially amid the team's ongoing WR room uncertainty and cap challenges.

“I’ve given everything to this team, but it’s become clear that I’m not part of their future. I can’t keep waiting for an opportunity that isn’t coming. I want to prove myself and continue to grow, and the Steelers have given me that chance.”

His decision to sign with the Steelers has raised eyebrows, especially considering that the 49ers have been investing in younger pass-catchers like Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins, who are seen as the future of the team. Jennings’ departure seems to be part of San Francisco’s broader roster overhaul as the team looks to move in a new direction amid salary cap constraints and rebuilding efforts at wide receiver.

The Steelers, in need of a reliable No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf, have been actively searching for a standout addition to their offense. Jennings’ arrival will provide Pittsburgh with an immediate upgrade at the position, giving them a proven weapon with red-zone prowess and experience to complement their already strong receiving corps.

This move also signals that Pittsburgh is aiming for a Super Bowl run in 2026, with Jennings’ skills, leadership, and touchdown production playing a key role in their championship aspirations. While the Steelers are well-positioned to absorb Jennings’ contract (with significant cap space available), teams like the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, who have shown interest in the free agent market, could face significant challenges due to salary cap limitations.

Jennings’ decision to join the Steelers marks the end of an era in San Francisco, with the 49ers seemingly moving on from the receiver in favor of building around younger talent and addressing other roster needs. As the 2026 season approaches, this bold move is expected to have a major impact on both teams' future trajectories.

Iran Threatens to Eliminate Netanyahu Amid Escalating Tensions
Rumors about the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been circulating, following reports that he did not attend the "War Council" meeting on March 14, 2026. These speculations came after Iranian military officials issued a direct threat against Netanyahu’s life, vowing to target and eliminate the Israeli leader. On March 15, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement via its Sepah News platform, saying, “If this criminal is still alive, we will continue to pursue and eliminate him with all our might.” This statement, as part of the ongoing conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran, highlights the increasingly personal and dangerous nature of the hostilities. At the same time, Saudi Arabian officials reported that they had intercepted 10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the regions surrounding Riyadh and the eastern part of the kingdom. Shortly after the attack, the IRGC denied any involvement, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia should investigate the origins of the assault, which they claimed was not linked to Iran. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that Israel’s air defense systems intercepted two rounds of missiles aimed at the southern region of the country. According to Israel’s Home Front Command, these missile strikes did not result in any casualties. Rumors about Netanyahu’s assassination intensified after reports that he had missed the critical "War Council" meeting, which was held amidst the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. These rumors were further fueled by unverified social media posts claiming that Iran had attacked Netanyahu’s residence, killing his brother and injuring Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. These reports were picked up by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, citing statements from former U.S. intelligence officers and UN weapons inspectors, including Scott Ritter. In addition, AI-generated videos contributed to the spread of these rumors, with some users claiming Netanyahu appeared in a recent video with six fingers, an anomaly they attributed to AI manipulation. While this sparked further speculation, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office responded by dismissing the rumors as “fake news,” affirming that Netanyahu was in good health. As tensions continue to rise, Iran has carried out missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and other countries in the region, including Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states, accusing them of hosting “U.S. military assets.” In response, Israeli strategists are adjusting their military objectives, now focusing on weakening Iran’s military capabilities. It could take Israel’s military up to two weeks to achieve its primary goals in the region. Furthermore, reports from The Jerusalem Post indicate that both Israel and the U.S. are intensifying military efforts, including attacks on control stations and Basij militia forces in Iran. The goal is to destabilize the Iranian regime by encouraging public protests. However, opposition forces in Iran have struggled to organize large-scale demonstrations, largely due to fears of severe repression by security forces and the potential impact of ongoing airstrikes from the U.S. and Israel. At the same time, some Israeli and U.S. officials have noted that the anticipated cracks in Iran’s leadership have yet to materialize as hoped, leaving the situation highly unpredictable.