According to ESPN's Ed Werder, the San Francisco 49ers are reportedly in discussions about potentially acquiring Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The Buffalo Bills are also said to be showing interest.
The #49ers and #Bills are among those discussing potential trades for #Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, per source. The #Cowboys to this point have not been involved. NFL trade deadline is 3 p.m. CT today.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) October 31, 2023
Acquiring a starting cornerback like Johnson could lead to a reshuffling of the 49ers' defensive backfield, possibly moving Deommodore Lenoir to the nickel spot. This move could provide a much-needed boost to a struggling defense that has conceded an average of approximately 273 passing yards in their last three games, all of which were losses.
The Chicago Bears made Johnson (6-0, 195) a second-round selection (No. 50 overall) out of Utah in 2020. So far through six starts this season, he has registered 18 tackles, a tackle for a loss, four passes defensed, two interceptions, a touchdown, and a forced fumble, per Pro Football Reference.
Johnson, 24, has recorded 143 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 35 passes defensed, three interceptions, a touchdown, and three forced fumbles through 45 starts in his four NFL seasons.