In a notable NFL development, the New York Jets finalized a trade sending Pro Bowl edge-rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans, reuniting him with his former Jets head coach, Robert Saleh, in Nashville. This move drew attention in the Bay Area because the San Francisco 49ers had previously shown strong interest in acquiring Johnson during the 2025 trade deadline. According to insider David Lombardi, the 49ers, led by GM Jed York and under Saleh’s coordination, were prepared to offer a third-round draft pick to secure Johnson, but the Jets demanded a second-round pick instead.
“49ers/Saleh wanted Jermaine Johnson at the 2025 trade deadline and were willing to part with s 3rd rounder — unlike Jaelan Phillips, Johnson was under contract for 2026 as well. But the Jets wanted a 2. Now, Saleh gets his guy. Had to trade away a DT with 2 more rookie deal…” ?David Lombardi, Insider
Evaluating Jermaine Johnson’s Potential Impact on the 49ers
Though Jermaine Johnson is a talented player when healthy, his addition to the 49ers roster likely would not have drastically altered their defensive capabilities. Johnson’s durability has been a concern following a torn Achilles injury suffered in the 2024 season, and his recent statistics are modest, with only three sacks and six quarterback hits over the past two years. Any trade acquiring him would have primarily offered another veteran presence for Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme rather than a game-changing asset.
The 49ers’ defensive challenges extended beyond Johnson’s potential contributions, as key players such as All-Pro edge-rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner were sidelined by season-ending injuries. Bosa’s ACL tear and Warner’s dislocated ankle significantly weakened the team’s defensive front during the closing stages of the season. Despite returning to the playoffs, the 49ers suffered a lopsided 41-6 loss to division rival Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, marking the end of Saleh’s tenure before he accepted the head coaching position in Tennessee.
San Francisco’s Defensive Outlook Moving Into the 2026 Season
Even though the 49ers did not complete a trade for Jermaine Johnson, and Robert Saleh has moved on from his defensive coordinator role, San Francisco remains optimistic about its defensive prospects for 2026. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, recognized as one of the NFL’s top tacticians since his 2017 arrival, continues to steer the franchise. The team’s decision to hire Raheem Morris as Saleh’s replacement reflects a commitment to maintaining defensive strength. Morris, formerly the Atlanta Falcons head coach and 2021 Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, brings a wealth of experience dating back to his NFL coaching start as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive quality control coach in 2002.
With the anticipated return of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner from injury before the next season begins, the 49ers are positioned to field a formidable defensive unit. The team’s six picks within the first four rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft provide valuable opportunities to reinforce the defensive lineup. This robust foundation lays the groundwork for the 49ers to remain a competitive force in the coming years, adapting to the post-Robert Saleh era while building on their established strengths.
49ers/Saleh wanted Jermaine Johnson at the 2025 trade deadline and were willing to part with s 3rd rounder — unlike Jaelan Phillips, Johnson was under contract for 2026 as well. But the Jets wanted a 2.
Now, Saleh gets his guy. Had to trade away a DT with 2 more rookie deal… https://t.co/lQFpTb2wmT
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) February 26, 2026
