Despite Jennings emerging as San Francisco’s most consistent wide receiver, finishing with 643 receiving yards and 55 receptions, experts argue the kicker’s value should take precedence. Piñeiro also boasted the league’s best made-field-goal percentage and was 16 of 17 on kicks of at least 40 yards, including a 59-yard make in an upset road win over the Rams.
San Francisco went 12-5 and reached the divisional round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion. The assessment notes that kickers typically command salaries well below Jennings’ expected market value, reducing the financial tension between re-signing Piñeiro and Jennings.
However, the stance does not claim the two re-signings are mutually exclusive. The analysis suggests that both Piñeiro and Jennings could return, with the kicker’s value weighed against the free-agent market and cap considerations as San Francisco plans its offseason moves.
If the 49ers do decide to prioritize one over the other, the argument remains that Piñeiro’s proven reliability and steady performance in 2025 warrant careful consideration as they structure the team’s kicking game while evaluating WR depth and contract negotiations.
Ultimately, re-signing Piñeiro does not preclude pursuing Jennings, but the emphasis remains on ensuring a stable kicking operation as the franchise contemplates its broader free-agent strategy.
