4 free-agent cornerbacks 49ers need to consider for their roster
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent target No. 3: Dontae Johnson
Admit it, you want veteran cornerback Dontae Johnson back in the red and gold. Because him being named on and off the Niners' 53-man roster multiple times a season is a natural thing that's been going on for years now.
Until it abruptly stopped in 2023.
Related story: Death, taxes and Dontae Johnson hanging around with 49ers
In all likelihood, the 31-year-old Johnson's on-and-off tenure with San Francisco has probably come to a close after he suffered a torn ACL last season and appeared in just two games. But, before that, the 49ers loved his versatility and willingness to be that 53rd guy on a 53-man roster who'd regularly bounce back and forth from the practice squad.
Johnson would still have some excellent familiarity with the bulk of defensive starters, and the scheme isn't wholly different under coordinator Steve Wilks compared to what it was under now-Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans.
If nothing else, Johnson could boost that depth with some much-needed experience.