Jauan Jennings was one of the more intriguing wide receivers in last offseason's free agent class. He has had some memorable moments in big games with the San Francisco 49ers. Even with that in mind, Jennings was viewed as someone who could still take another step in a new environment.
Jennings took longer to sign than originally anticipated. He eventually inked a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in May. So far this season, things have not gone anywhere close to how Jennings could have expected.
The wide receiver has logged 201 offensive snaps in 2026. That is good enough for 74 percent of the Vikings' offensive plays. Somehow, Jennings only has five targets, two receptions, and nine receiving yards with Minnesota. Not exactly what many would have guessed when he joined an offensive-minded head coach like Kevin O'Connell.
Because of his minimal chances in the passing game, Jennings has been viewed as a trade candidate for the last few weeks. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said on The Pat McAfee Show last week that Jennings is a name that could "heat up" in trade discussions. The Kansas City Chiefs certainly stand out as a team that could trade for a wide receiver before the deadline. Of all the options, Jennings could be a fascinating bargain worth betting on if you are Kansas City.
The price to acquire Jennings appears dirt cheap
For one, the Vikings signed Jennings to a pretty cheap one-year deal. The Chiefs would not be forced to do a lot of salary cap gymnastics if they chased someone like Jennings. Plus, Minnesota has not had him in the building for long. He would likely not cost much more than a fifth- or sixth-round pick. Perhaps Minnesota would even be fine with a late-round pick swap, based on what Jennings' production has amounted to with the Vikings.
Plus, Kansas City being in the AFC theoretically makes the Vikings more willing to create a deal with a team like the Chiefs. They would not be beefing up their top NFC competition by agreeing to something with Kansas City. Speaking of which...
Chiefs' biggest competition for a possible Jennings trade
The biggest threat to a team like the Chiefs in a Jennings sweepstakes? It is easily his former team, San Francisco. The 49ers and Jennings appeared to hit an awkward wall in contract negotiations over the last couple of years. However, we have seen countless wide receiver injuries ding the 49ers. Most recently, Mike Evans has been dealing with an Achilles-related injury. San Francisco may opt to go with someone it knows, especially if it would not cost much to bring him back.
Who are some other teams to watch in trade competition if the Chiefs want to add at wide receiver? The Los Angeles Rams are interesting, even with their unbelievably disappointing start. Simply put, the Davante Adams injury is gruesome and a long-term issue. Los Angeles is never afraid to make a swing. They could replace what they lose with Adams being unavailable.
AFC counterparts like the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders are matches for wide receivers as well. Buffalo has seen more impact from someone like Keon Coleman in spots during the start of the season. However, the depth of the Bills' wide receiver room is questionable at best. As for the Raiders, they could benefit from adding experience to their room if they stay competitive.
Why Jennings makes sense for the Chiefs' offense
Jennings is a big, physical pass catcher. That aspect alone could pair well with shiftier names like Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals, or Cyrus Allen. And as Tyquan Thornton remains out with an injury, Rashee Rice is still limited in how he can win vertically. Jennings would help offset that.
Patrick Mahomes' success in the intermediate windows has been noticeable to open the season. He was also excellent beyond 10 yards last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jennings is well known for being strong in congested areas underneath or in contested-catch situations. It is easy to imagine him being a threat in the K.C. offense over the middle or around the seams.
Because of his play as a tertiary option in huge moments, the unique start to his season, and his size, Jennings makes for a safer trade piece than most may realize.
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