Sitting at 2-4, with a world full of possibilities ahead of them, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the New York Giants plan to navigate the November 4 trade deadline. On one hand, they’re winners of two of their last three games, against playoff-caliber teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles. On the other hand, there’s still a long, tough road ahead, and no one truly knows if they’re any closer to contender than pretender.
One thing is for certain: the G-Men need to give rookie quarterback sensation Jaxson Dart all the help they can feasibly get. With Malik Nabers out for the season with a torn ACL and Darius Slayton battling a hamstring injury, the receiver room is running on fumes. NFL insiders have already been reporting that general manager Joe Schoen has been on the hunt for help. And a new name might’ve just entered contention — with the perfect three-year, $19.5 million contract to match.
According to NFL analyst Chase Senior of Chat Sports, New York has interest in Jauan Jennings. Senior shared this on X:
"The Giants are reportedly interested in Jauan Jennings. Malik Nabers is out for the season, the Giants want to support rookie QB Jaxson Dart by getting him some help at WR. Jennings is unhappy with his contract and got into a sideline argument with Kyle Shanahan on Sunday."
Giants reportedly interested in 49ers WR Jauan Jennings ahead of NFL trade deadline
It’s an interesting candidate. The 28-year-old receiver out of Tennessee is a big 6-foot-3 target with elite contested-catch ability, great route-running prowess, and tough enough to be a factor in the ground game as a blocker.
He’s on the hook for $7.5 million this season, making him a relatively reasonable target. But of course, it’s really about what it’ll take the G-Men to acquire him. One recently signed pass-rusher on New York’s roster makes sense to send west — and it’s not the one 49ers fans are hoping for. Giants’ $19.5 million man Chauncey Golston could be the perfect chip.
They did just sign him this past offseason, but it’s clear he has a very limited role in East Rutherford. He could be moved for receiver help, making Jennings a rational target.
The social media post caught the attention of Nick San Miguel of Niner Noise, who took the rumor and concluded that edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux would be the perfect target, seeing as though San Fran’s star pass-rusher Nick Bosa is out for the season.
The concept makes sense. It’s technically a win-win. Big Blue gets its receiver for Dart, while the 49ers get their ideal Bosa replacement. But the trade falls short in many areas — mainly the wideout’s lack of production.
He’s never eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards through four full seasons, only netting more than 420 once. Also, this feels like more of a course-correction Hail Mary after Jennings’ sideline spat with San Fran head coach Kyle Shanahan. They could be done with the disgruntled receiver, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to get a 24-year-old pass-rusher in the middle of a strong campaign.
Jennings is on an expiring contract, potentially making him more of a rental than a long-term piece, and if Schoen is going to give up Thibs for a rental, it might as well net them a better player than the former seventh-round pick in 2020.
Golston makes more sense from Big Blue’s perspective. If you thought KT was in a crowded pass-rushing group behind Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, just give it a second to think about how the 27-year-old feels. Through six weeks, Golston has 133 snaps, with only 44 coming on the defensive line.
Additionally, his contract matches Jennings’ well, and if the Niners need a bit more to get a deal done, a Day 3 pick could be the cherry on top.
Jauan Jennings is a fine trade target, but fine doesn’t mean Kayvon Thibodeaux. Sure, he hasn’t exactly been what New York was hoping for when they drafted him fifth overall in 2022, but that doesn’t mean moving him for pennies for the sake of moving him makes sense either.