close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

What Jauan Jennings Said to Brandon Aiyuk After the Rusty 49ers-Jets Game – NBC Sports Bay Area & California
news

What Jauan Jennings Said to Brandon Aiyuk After the Rusty 49ers-Jets Game – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

This summer, there was uncertainty as to whether Brandon Aiyuk would play for the 49ers in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, whether it was because his contract dispute had not yet been resolved or because he had been traded to another team.

But despite the dramatic saga, which ultimately ended with San Francisco extending its star wide receiver, Aiyuk started in the team’s 32-19 win over the New York Jets on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium. He didn’t quite pick up where he left off, however, making just two receptions on five targets — and one costly drop in the end zone.

After the game, 49ers teammate Jauan Jennings told reporters what he told Aiyuk about taking things one game at a time.

“I told (Aiyuk) this is just the beginning, man, so we know how long this journey is going to take us, and just one game at a time,” Jennings said. “It just means a lot to have the guys back together, the band back together, and we had a great concert tonight.”

Aiyuk and wide receiver Deebo Samuel were involved in trade rumors this offseason, but both remained with the team despite the rumors. While Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension to remain with San Francisco, Samuel and the 49ers agreed to a contract restructure that reportedly created an additional $16.4 million in cap space.

After missing the entire training camp before returning to practice with the team following his new contract, Aiyuk caught two passes for 28 yards against the Jets on Monday and let a near-touchdown pass from Brock Purdy slip through his hands in the end zone just before halftime.

“It was a dime. Sick,” Aiyuk told reporters of Purdy’s throw after the game, noting that he would “definitely” catch it next week.

The 49ers offense still overwhelmed the vaunted Jets defense despite the rusty return of Aiyuk. This was thanks to a stellar performance from running back Jordan Mason, who replaced the injured Christian McCaffrey, along with a number of key catches from Jennings and a game-winning touchdown from Samuel.

And as Jennings said, San Francisco’s Week 1 win was just the first of many. After missing so much time this offseason, it may take Aiyuk a little longer to make an impact as one of Purdy’s top weapons.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast