San Francisco’s been in three straight NFC title games and just lost the Super Bowl — good luck finding an underappreciated 49er. In fact, Jennings himself was personally responsible for some of the team’s biggest moments on the game’s biggest stage in February. He also just got paid, landing a two-year deal with $10.5 million guaranteed, which is more than he would have received had he signed the second-round tender assigned to him as a restricted free agent. Jennings is far from the most famous Niners receiver, though, easily ranking behind Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and probably even rookie Ricky Pearsall in name recognition — except for among those who thrill to clips of receivers blocking, which, let’s be honest, should be everyone. When you’re a third or fourth receiver who earns praise from George Kittle (George Kittle!) for your lack of fear, you belong on this list.
My first pick for most underappreciated player would be Mitch Wishnowsky, because Punterville can never appreciate the punter enough. Jokes aside, I have no argument with this take whatsoever. Jennings showed up huge on 3rd down in 2023 and also was on track to maybe be the Super Bowl MVP. He’s a legit wide receiver who has to share his time with both Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk—and been a pro about it. Even when his coach calls boneheaded plays in the NFC Divisional meant for Samuel that get him blown up.
