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.