Many San Francisco 49ers fans are wondering what the team will do as the NFL trade deadline approaches.
After losing top wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a season-ending knee injury, the 49ers are facing a tough choice. With a 4-4 record and a challenging schedule ahead, the team must decide whether to pursue a trade to replace Aiyuk or rely on their existing wide receiver lineup.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn’t confirmed any specific plans, but he left the possibility open. When asked on October 28 about a potential wide receiver trade, Shanahan said, “You look at what’s available that you think can help your team get better… If there’s anything out there that’s available that we think can help our team get better in the immediate, without hurting us for the future, that’s something we always look into.”
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggested an option: he believes the 49ers should consider acquiring Carolina Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson.
Should San Francisco 49ers Trade for WR Diontae Johnson?
Sources: There’s a growing belief around the NFL that the #Panthers are increasingly likely to trade WR Diontae Johnson before the trade deadline.
Multiple contending teams are interested, though determining Johnson’s value has been challenging with him in the last year of his… pic.twitter.com/vYn1GNqwkY
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 29, 2024
Now in his debut season with the Panthers, Johnson spent his first five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Known for his durability, he’s missed only four games in his first four seasons, with extended time off only briefly in 2023. While not quite at Aiyuk’s level, Johnson could still be a valuable addition to the 49ers’ offense.
“With Brandon Aiyuk sidelined for the rest of the season, the 49ers lack a receiver who excels against man coverage and creates separation. Johnson could step into that role for the rest of the year,” Holder wrote on October 28.
Holder isn’t alone in speculating, either. NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted on October 27 that “There are some options that make sense” for San Francisco, adding that “Diontae Johnson is someone I know Kyle Shanahan likes.”
A Closer Look at What Niners Would Be Getting in Diontae Johnson
Johnson is in the final year of a two-year, $36.71 million contract. Trading him would free up cap space for the Panthers, allowing them to address other needs. The 49ers, known for Shanahan’s innovative offensive system, have a history of leveraging player strengths, suggesting Johnson could thrive in San Francisco. His performance has been solid.
In 2022, Johnson averaged 2.3 yards of separation per route run, placing him among the NFL’s top receivers, according to Next Gen Stats. This would benefit QB Brock Purdy, who relies on quick, accurate passes and would gain a dependable option on intermediate routes.
Between 2020 and 2022, Johnson averaged 92 receptions and 950 receiving yards per season, with a standout year in 2021, tallying 107 catches for 1,161 yards and 8 TDs.
In 2023, over 60% of Johnson’s third-down catches resulted in first downs. Since San Francisco ranked 16th in third-down conversion rate last season, Johnson’s skill set could help improve this area. His agility and route-running also make him a reliable red-zone target, especially with defenses likely focusing on other 49ers stars.
Johnson’s career catch rate of 65.8% and his ability to create plays after the catch (4.1 YAC per reception) fit well with Shanahan’s system. If the 49ers pursue him, Johnson would be a strong addition.
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