Imagine losing a star player like Nick Bosa to a season-ending injury and then watching your trade offer for a potential replacement get rejected. That’s exactly what happened to the San Francisco 49ers at the 2025 trade deadline, and it’s a story that highlights the high-stakes drama of NFL roster moves. But here’s where it gets controversial: was the 49ers’ offer too low, or were the Jets simply asking for too much? Let’s dive in.
After Bosa’s torn ACL early in the 2025 season, the 49ers found themselves in desperate need of edge-rushing help. Their solution? Pursue Jermaine Johnson II from the New York Jets. However, their attempt fell short, leaving fans and analysts wondering what exactly San Francisco put on the table. And this is the part most people miss: on Thursday, SNY’s Connor Hughes revealed that the 49ers offered a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, while the Jets were holding out for a second-round selection. Talk about a negotiation gap!
Instead of Johnson, the 49ers settled for Keion White from the New England Patriots as their midseason defensive line addition. White’s stats—12 tackles, six quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, one pass defensed, and one fumble recovery in nine games—were solid but unspectacular. Meanwhile, Johnson thrived with the Jets during the same period, racking up 24 tackles, four quarterback hits, and two sacks. Here’s the kicker: Johnson’s former Jets coach, Robert Saleh, now with the Tennessee Titans, just traded for him. Coincidence? Or a missed opportunity for the 49ers?
This situation raises a thought-provoking question: Did the 49ers undervalue Johnson, or did the Jets overplay their hand? And what does this mean for San Francisco’s future trade strategies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
