The San Francisco 49ers could use some defensive reinforcements given the injuries they are dealing with this season, and they are reportedly interested in a handful of New York Jets players ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported Sunday there is belief around the league the 49ers will inquire about edge rushers Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald IV and linebacker Quincy Williams.
Notably, former Jets head coach Robert Saleh is the defensive coordinator for the 49ers. Cimini called that trio of defensive players “some of Saleh’s favorites in New York,” so there is already an obvious connection in place.
What’s more, Williams is playing on the final year of his deal, so the Jets may want to move him and get something back in return before he potentially leaves next offseason.
New York is 0-6 and already seems to be playing out the string on a lost season. Whether it is these defensive players, running back Breece Hall or someone else, it is an obvious trade candidate team that could start focusing on the future with draft assets.
San Francisco is a team that entered the season with a win-now plan, and a 4-2 start has done nothing to quell those expectations. However, defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are both out for the season.
Williams could help make up for some of the veteran leadership lost with Warner in the middle of the defense after four straight seasons with more than 100 tackles, while Johnson and McDonald are potential replacements for Bosa on the edge.
It is unrealistic to expect either of them to be as productive as Bosa, but the 49ers need healthy players to bolster their depth chart.
And Saleh is someone who is familiar with the options from the Jets and could maximize their impact after a trade.
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