Lynch Bids Goodbye To Jauan Jennings, Joey Bosa Feels Too Expensive For 49ers

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch made two clear roster messages at the NFL owners’ meetings in Phoenix: Jauan Jennings is likely headed elsewhere, and Joey Bosa may be too expensive for the team’s plans. Lynch’s comments highlighted how the 49ers are balancing respect for former contributors with a careful look at salary and fit.

Jennings remains unsigned after the 49ers opted for a different direction at receiver, and Lynch spoke warmly about the player’s impact when he was on the field. He also cooled the idea of a Bosa reunion, even though the family storyline would appeal to fans and to Joey Bosa’s mother, Cheryl Bosa.

Jennings Moves On After Strong Run in San Francisco

Lynch said Jennings left a clear mark on the 49ers’ offense and praised his toughness and ability to change games. He added that the team tried to reach a long-term agreement with Jennings before the wideout entered free agency, but the sides never landed on terms.

“He’ll find a good home, and Jauan will go play great football for someone,” Lynch said. “When that guy stepped between the lines, man, he was a presence, and they had to deal with him, and he won us a lot of games.”

That message reflects a common NFL reality. A player can produce value, but once the market opens, teams must decide whether the price still fits the roster plan.

Joey Bosa Is On The Radar, But The Price Matters

Lynch did not close the door completely on Joey Bosa, but he made it clear the numbers could be difficult. The general manager smiled when asked about pairing Joey with his younger brother, Nick Bosa, then pointed to the cost as the main obstacle.

“I know that would make Mama Bosa happy,” Lynch said, “but I don’t know if we can afford him.”

That response matters because the 49ers have already shown interest in Joey Bosa before. He signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Buffalo Bills last offseason, and his connection to Nick Bosa remains one of the most obvious family storylines in the league.

What The 49ers Have Already Added

San Francisco has also been active at receiver, which helps explain why Lynch sounded less aggressive about Jennings and other skill-position additions. The 49ers brought in Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, two wideouts with strong production histories and veteran reputations.

1. Mike Evans signed for $14.3 million next season after reportedly taking less than some other offers.
2. Christian Kirk also picked San Francisco because he believed it was the right fit.
3. The team now has Evans, Kirk, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins near the top of the depth chart.

Lynch said head coach Kyle Shanahan saw a clear role for Evans in the offense after years of elite production in Tampa Bay. He also said the team valued both Evans and Kirk for the way they work and prepare.

Depth Chart Questions Still Remain

The receiver room may look deeper now, but Lynch did not fully rule out more moves. He said the 49ers could still add another pass catcher later in the draft, though he downplayed the chances of taking one very early.

That approach fits San Francisco’s current roster picture. The team has added proven players, but it still wants to preserve flexibility and avoid forcing a pick or a signing that does not match the long-term plan.

Injury Updates And Summer Competition

Lynch also provided updates on several important players as the 49ers continue their offseason work. The team is hopeful tight end George Kittle can return for the season-opening trip to Australia against the Los Angeles Rams, though there will be workload management during training camp after his torn Achilles.

Nick Bosa is also on track for training camp as his recovery from a torn ACL continues to go well. Mykel Williams, last year’s first-round pick, is slightly behind Bosa’s recovery timeline after his own ACL injury in November, and the 49ers plan to increase his workload gradually through the summer.

At left guard, Lynch said Robert Jones, Connor Colby and Brett Toth will compete for the job, but he also left open the possibility that another addition could still come. He kept that answer simple by noting that the draft is not over yet, which leaves San Francisco room to keep adjusting before camp.

That mix of patience and restraint has defined the 49ers’ early offseason, and Lynch’s remarks showed the team remains open to talent while still guarding its budget.