The San Francisco 49ers have signed safety Quindell Johnson to a reserve/future contract to enhance their depth at the position. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 208 pounds, Johnson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams on May 1, 2023. Over his two-year NFL career with the Rams and Chicago Bears, he appeared in nine games, recording two tackles, one interception, and one pass defended. While his NFL experience is limited, Johnson’s collegiate performance and physical attributes suggest significant potential for growth.
Addressing Depth Concerns at Safety
The addition of Johnson reflects the 49ers’ effort to strengthen their safety depth amid uncertainties. With fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha showing promise, the team is bracing for the potential departure of 2022 All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga in free agency. The roster also includes 2023 third-round pick Ji’Ayir Brown and veteran George Odum, who are expected to return next season.
Brown had a challenging sophomore year, splitting snaps after Hufanga’s return from injury. Odum, a former Special Teams All-Pro, started two games in 2024 but remains a rotational player. The 49ers relied on five players who logged over 50 snaps at safety throughout the season, underlining their need for stability. Johnson’s signing aims to address this issue.
During his college career at the University of Memphis, Johnson excelled over five seasons (2018–2022), playing 49 games and amassing 320 tackles, 34 passes defended, 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one sack. His standout 2022 season earned him first-team All-AAC honors, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute in both pass coverage and run support. This skill set aligns with San Francisco’s defensive emphasis on adaptability.
A Developmental Project
After going undrafted in 2023, Johnson joined the Rams but was waived after training camp. He later spent time on the Chicago Bears’ practice squad in 2024 before rejoining the Rams’ practice squad on September 18, 2024, where he remained for the rest of the season. Though he has yet to make a significant impact in the NFL, Johnson represents an intriguing developmental prospect for the 49ers as they prepare their 2025 roster.
Johnson joins a growing list of undrafted free agents given opportunities by the 49ers. Last season, defensive tackle Evan Anderson and safety Jaylon Mahoney followed similar paths. Anderson eventually earned late-season starts, while Mahoney spent most of the year on the practice squad before earning a reserve/future contract this offseason. Like them, Johnson has a chance to carve out a role if he capitalizes on his opportunities.
Special Teams and Potential Impact
Initially, Johnson’s contributions are expected to come on special teams, an area the 49ers are eager to improve. If he performs well during training camp and preseason, he could challenge for a backup role in the secondary. With Brown’s struggles and a general lack of depth at safety, Johnson has a legitimate opportunity to prove himself as a reliable option for the defense.
By signing Quindell Johnson, the San Francisco 49ers are not only addressing their immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term stability in their safety room.
