It's been one week since a very active NFL trade deadline. And although the San Francisco 49ers were involved in some trade talks, they didn't make a deal.
But they were close in landing one of the premiere pass-rushers available leading up to the deadline.
Their target was New York Jets edge Jermaine Johnson, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
Sources: The #Bears and #49ers were among the teams that tried to trade for #Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson II.
New York wanted a 2nd-round pick, so Chicago pivoted to Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, while San Francisco ultimately stayed put. A move to the 49ers would’ve reunited Johnson… https://t.co/L2Tl5t3Mcb pic.twitter.com/67z3E6gHM6
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 5, 2025
The Niners considered a second-round pick for the fourth-year pass-rusher a little high of a price. The 49ers were likely thinking about the fact Johnson is a year removed from a torn Achilles. Plus, his ankle injury has already sidelined him for a few games this year.
However, he did have a great amount of success with Robert Saleh as his head coach during the defensive coordinator's time with the Jets. Including putting up 10 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, one pick-six, and a safety. Johnson even made a Pro Bowl in 2023 because of his play under Saleh.
Plus you can't overlook the fact that Johnson's size (6-foot-5 and 254 pounds) would be a huge commodity for the Niners with the players who are out. It's similar to the trade they made for defensive end Keion White, who stands at the same height and is 290 pounds. The 49ers lost Mykel Williams for the season, and Yetur Gross-Matos is on injured reserve. Both of them are the same height as both Johnson and White.
It's a lot of wishful thinking being that the Niners have been cursed with the injury bug, but if they had Johnson healthy and in Saleh's system again, then it would be a perfect match.
The 49ers have been beat up across the board on the defensive line. Williams and Nick Bosa are done for the year with ACL tears. Bryce Huff is dealing with a hamstring injury that's taken him out the last couple of weeks, Gross-Matos is on IR and Kevin Givens has been dealing with a pectoral injury since before the regular season began. Also we can't forget the massive blow of linebacker Fred Warner being out for the season.
If there's one thing the 49ers could use, it's solid players and depth at defensive line. Johnson is on the final year of his rookie deal and can still produce as a pass-rusher. And giving Saleh a defensive player he can trust and has seen promise in from his days with the Jets, it would've been a good fit.
But, we'll see how the Niners can adapt in the coming weeks. Or at least stay healthy for once.