It's unclear whether the San Francisco 49ers will make a blockbuster move before Tuesday's 1 p.m. PT trade deadline. However, the team is reportedly exploring options to strengthen its depleted pass rush. According to Connor Hughes of SNY, the 49ers have been "flirting around" with New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson as a potential trade target.
Trading Sauce Gardner might just be the start for the #Jets.
It certainly won't slow down the phone calls, and as Darren Mougey liked to say, he's going to answer pic.twitter.com/yBKcpg0RKP
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 4, 2025
Whether those discussions lead to an actual deal remains uncertain.
Update: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Jets want a second-round draft pick for Johnson, which is likely too much for interested teams. He is expected to remain in New York.
Spotlight on the Jets in the final 75 minutes of the deadline after two massive deals. Teams say New York wants a 2nd for EDGE Jermaine Johnson, who has expected to stay with the team.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 4, 2025
The 49ers' defensive line has been ravaged by injuries this season, creating an urgent need for reinforcements. Star pass rusher Nick Bosa is out for the year after suffering a torn ACL, and first-round rookie Mykel Williams was lost for the season on Sunday after sustaining the same injury against the New York Giants.
On Saturday, the team also placed defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, further thinning San Francisco's defensive depth.
Last week, the 49ers acquired Keion White in a trade and signed Clelin Ferrell to the practice squad to help bolster the pass rush. Both suited up in Sunday's win over the Giants—Ferrell recorded a sack, while White played 33 defensive snaps but didn't register any stats.
Johnson, 26, has appeared in five games this season, tallying 19 tackles (one for loss), two quarterback hits, one sack, and one pass defensed. Across four NFL seasons, the edge rusher has totaled 107 tackles (16 for loss), 23 quarterback hits, 11 sacks, one interception, one touchdown, and one forced fumble in 38 career games (24 starts).
Johnson's best season came in 2023, when he racked up 7.5 sacks. His 2024 season was cut short after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2.
If the 49ers pull off a trade, Johnson could provide much-needed help to a defense impacted by a string of devastating injuries.
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