The San Francisco 49ers are 4-1 following an exciting 26-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams, overcoming plenty of obstacles to taste victory. But as promising as the NFC West leader's outlook is at the moment, there's always room for improvement if it means taking one step closer to the Lombardi Trophy.
The 49ers have the next 10 days off, and general manager John Lynch should use that time to find ways to upgrade the roster. Several names could help San Francisco become a better team, including safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
49ers Should Sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Begin October
Signing Gardner-Johnson would provide the 49ers with some relief when it comes to their safety situation.
Malik Mustapha is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he rehabs from a torn ACL. They have trotted Jason Pinnock and Marques Sigle at safety. Neither guy has been that effective on the backend for this defense.
Pinnock has 16 total tackles, but has zero pass breakups and interceptions, as well as a 56.1 Pro Football Focus coverage grade (92nd among 129 graded safeties). As for Sigle, he has logged 26 total tackles and one pass deflection. The 23-year-old is worse in coverage, with a 45.1 coverage grade (119th among 129 graded safeties).
The 49ers expect Mustapha to return in a couple of weeks, but signing Gardner-Johnson would be a nice addition at the point of the offseason. He was shockingly released by the Houston Texans due to some behind-the-scenes friction. Although things didn't work out there, he could be someone who would make this secondary better.
Last season, Gardner-Johnson secured a Super Bowl title with the Philadelphia Eagles and was an effective playmaker for that team. In 16 games in 2024, Gardner-Johnson had 59 total tackles, 12 pass breakups, six interceptions, and a forced fumble. According to PFF, he finished with a 75.1 overall grade (22nd among 171 graded safeties) and an 81.3 coverage grade (10th among 171 graded safeties).
This season, those numbers took a dip (59.6 overall grade & 54.8 coverage grade), but that could be due to the fit and scheme that Garder-Johnson wasn't the biggest fan of.
Throwing CJGJ in a unit led by defensive coordinator Robert Saleh would be a fantastic acquisition. Having a duo of Gardner-Johnson and Mustapha in the backend for the second half of the season is something that could take this defense to another level. With Nick Bosa out for the year, the coverage on the backend needs to be that much better.
It doesn't hurt that Gardner-Johnson has been a part of deep postseason runs with the Eagles. The 49ers should look into adding a physical and active defender to their safety room while the opportunity is available.