Carolina Panthers receive: 2025 fourth-round pick, 2025 fifth-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick

San Francisco 49ers receive: WR Diontae Johnson

The San Francisco 49ers have been destroyed by injuries and their chances of going to the Super Bowl for the third time in six years have plummeted as a result. Their receiving corps has been particularly hard hit, as San Francisco is still reeling from the loss of this year’s No. 1 wideout Brandon Aiyuk to an ACL tear. Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall have all also missed time, while star running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play this season.

Despite the slew of injuries, San Francisco has managed to claw its way to a .500 record heading into the bye week of Week 9. It’s not too late for the Niners to turn things around and make a deep play- off-run, but they may need some extra help.

Acquiring Johnson would give San Francisco the high-end pass-catcher it needs to find some consistency and string together wins for the first time in 2024.

Quarterback Brock Purdy is struggling without his reliable supporting cast. The third-year signal caller has regressed significantly from last season, when he emerged as one of the league’s top MVP candidates.

Purdy completed 69.4 percent of his throws for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 2023. This year, his completion percentage is down nearly five points and he is on pace for just 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions after a polarizing start.

The Niners need more firepower to bolster their signal caller, and Johnson should be at the top of their list right now. He may not be considered one of the best wideouts in the league, but he has the talent to reach that level in the right system and at an affordable price.

San Francisco’s offense led by Kyle Shanahan could unlock Johnson’s full potential. He could put up the best numbers of his career if the Niners choose to trade for him.