When Nick Bosa went down with a season-ending injury, the San Francisco 49ers faced a pressing need to bolster their pass rush. Their eyes turned to the New York Jets, hoping to strike a deal for some defensive reinforcement.
The 49ers put a third-round pick on the table for Jermaine Johnson II, but the Jets weren't biting. They held firm, seeking a second-round pick instead, according to Connor Hughes of SNY.
At the time of the offer, Robert Saleh was orchestrating the 49ers' defense. Fast forward to now, and he's the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, where he finally got his man. The Titans acquired Johnson from the Jets in a trade, reuniting him with Saleh.
Though Johnson never donned a 49ers jersey, he's now set to thrive under Saleh's guidance. The coach is eager to tap into the potential that led the Jets to draft Johnson in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Over his four-year stint with the Jets, Johnson racked up 131 tackles, 27 quarterback hits, and 13 sacks. His standout season came in 2023, earning Pro Bowl honors with career-highs of 55 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks.
Despite the 49ers' third-round offer, the Jets opted to bolster their own line by acquiring defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat. Meanwhile, San Francisco is banking on Bosa's healthy return for the 2026 season and will continue seeking pass rush solutions.
Johnson's talent has never been in question, and he's garnered admirers beyond New York, with Saleh being a notable advocate. Now reunited, Saleh is ready to unleash Johnson's prowess with the Titans, aiming to unlock the full potential of this promising pass rusher.