The San Francisco 49ers have made some changes to their defensive line this offseason, as they have lost several members of that crew while bringing in players such as defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and defensive end Clelin Ferrell.
They do have a bit of a hole in their secondary though, as defensive backs Jimmie Ward and Emmanuel Moseley have departed.
To fill that hole, they have signed cornerback Isaiah Oliver, and they reportedly also have their sights set on defensive back Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Sources: FA DB Lonnie Johnson Jr. has fielded interest from the #49ers, along with a few other teams. I’m told he had a great visit with the #Seahawks as well.
Former 2nd-rounder and versatile S/CB who has a significant number of starts throughout his career. @theScore
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 18, 2023
Johnson would be an interesting get, as he would give San Francisco some added depth.
He has started 19 of his 56 games over his four years in the NFL, and perhaps his best season was in 2021 when he had six passes defended, three interceptions and 55 total tackles (38 solo).
The 49ers currently have Charvarius Ward, a key offseason pickup last year, starting at one corner, along with Tashaun Gipson and All-Pro first-team selection Talanoa Hufanga starting at safety.
They had the best defense in the NFL last season, and they’re undoubtedly looking to maintain that type of prowess in 2023.
Doing so may not be easy, as they lost defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans to the Houston Texans.
But San Francisco certainly has the talent on that side of the football to get the job done, especially with the addition of Hargrave and the presence of Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.
If it figures out its situation at quarterback, perhaps 2023 will be the season the team finally wins its sixth Super Bowl championship.
