The 49ers were not involved in Tuesday’s flurry of moves ahead of the NFL trade deadline, but they reportedly inquired about acquiring a former first-round draft pick to reinforce their banged-up defensive line.
San Francisco attempted to trade for New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, but the asking price for the fourth-year star was too steep, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported, citing sources.
The Jets desired a second-round draft pick in exchange for Johnson — a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 — per Schultz.
The Chicago Bears also were interested in acquiring Johnson, Schultz reported, but instead chose to make a move for Cleveland Browns pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
Johnson played under former Jets coach and current 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for his first three NFL seasons; he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 2 last year. The No. 26 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft has accrued 11 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 23 QB hits across 38 career games.
The Jets picked up Johnson’s fifth-year contract option for 2026, so he would have been under team control for another season if the 49ers had traded for him.
Though Johnson stayed put, New York did trade away a pair of its other defensive stars, sending cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys.
Meanwhile, since San Francisco failed to make a move by Tuesday’s deadline, its acquisition of New England Patriots edge rusher Keion White will be its only trade of the season.
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