Who Should I Start? Jauan Jennings or Rashee Rice

Tuesday, March 18, 2:52 PM

The San Francisco 49ers traded veteran wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Washington Commanders this offseason, and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) could start next season on the Injured Reserve list as he recovers from a torn ACL. He could also be traded before the start of the 2025 campaign. That said, Jauan Jennings could open next year's campaign as the team's WR1, according to Athletic reporter Matt Barrows. Barrows listed Jennings ahead of Ricky Pearsall and Demarcus Robinson on his projected depth chart. Jennings, a 2020 seventh-round pick out of Tennessee, enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024. He registered 77 receptions for 975 yards and six scores. Had he not been ejected from the team's regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, he likely would've notched his first 1,000-yard campaign. Jennings would have at least WR2 upside in Kyle Shanahan's offense if Aiyuk isn't available early on or is traded, though he would still have to compete with tight end George Kittle for targets.

Wednesday, April 23, 10:56 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes confirmed that wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is healthy and has been taking part in the team's voluntary offseason workouts. "The expectations are high," Mahomes said of Rice. "I mean, he looks really good. He's running routes. He's catching the football. I don't know when we get back into the actual OTAs, how much he'll be able to do, but he's been able to do everything here, as far as running routes and everything like that." It's great news for the 25-year-old, who suffered a season-ending LCL tear in Week 4 against the Chargers last year. The Chiefs will likely be cautious with Rice when OTAs begin, but barring a setback, he's fully expected to be ready for training camp and the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. In addition to coming off a major knee injury, Rice could be facing discipline from the league for an off-the-field incident. But all that aside, he has clear WR1 upside.