On May 14, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers made headlines in the NFL world by announcing a three-year contract with cornerback (CB) Derrick Canteen while waiving safety (S) Quindell Johnson to clear a spot on their 90-man roster. This move not only signaled a shift in the team’s roster-building strategy but also sparked speculation about the motivations behind it. So, what prompted the 49ers to place their faith in an undrafted rookie like Canteen and part ways with Johnson, a player once seen as promising? Let’s dive in.
Derrick Canteen: A Raw Gem Shining at Rookie Minicamp
Derrick Canteen, an undrafted free agent (UDFA) from the University of Cincinnati, left a strong impression during the 49ers’ rookie minicamp held just before the team announced his signing. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 193 pounds, Canteen may not have the most imposing physique for a cornerback, but he possesses a remarkable skill set. Over his six-year college career across three schools—Georgia Southern (2019–2022), Virginia Tech (2023), and Cincinnati (2024)—Canteen played in 54 games, starting 40, and recorded 204 tackles, 32 pass breakups, 9 interceptions, and 7.5 tackles for loss.
The 2024 season at Cincinnati was a standout for Canteen. He started all 12 games, tallying 44 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble. These numbers highlight Canteen’s versatility as a cornerback, showcasing his ability to read plays and make quick decisions in critical moments. According to reports, his stellar performance at the rookie minicamp convinced the 49ers’ coaching staff, particularly head coach Kyle Shanahan and the defensive assistants, that Canteen deserved a roster spot.
Another factor making Canteen an appealing addition is his potential to grow within the 49ers’ secondary. The team currently faces uncertainties at the cornerback position, especially in the backup roles behind starters Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green. With the CB3 spot and other depth roles still up for grabs, Canteen is seen as a viable contender, thanks to his extensive game experience and ability to adapt quickly.
Quindell Johnson: A Name No Longer Fitting the Plan
In contrast, Quindell Johnson, a 25-year-old safety, failed to meet the 49ers’ expectations during his brief tenure with the team. Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers on January 21, 2025, after spending two seasons in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears. In his career, he appeared in 9 games, recording 2 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup. At the University of Memphis (2018–2022), Johnson was a standout, amassing 320 tackles, 34 pass breakups, and 10 interceptions, earning First-Team All-AAC honors in 2022. However, his college accolades did not translate to success at the professional level.
Reports indicate that Johnson was primarily used in special teams during his time with the Bears in 2023, and he spent much of the 2024 season on the Rams’ practice squad. His inability to secure a regular role at free safety, combined with the fierce competition in the 49ers’ safety room, made him expendable. With reliable safeties like Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, and rookie Malik Mustapha already on the roster, Johnson had little chance of cracking the starting lineup.
The 49ers’ Strategy: Investing in Potential, Optimizing the Roster
The decision to sign Canteen and waive Johnson reflects the 49ers’ clear strategy: prioritize young, high-potential players who align with the team’s philosophy while cutting ties with those who no longer fit the long-term plan. The 49ers’ secondary is undergoing a restructuring phase, with recent moves like signing CB Dallis Flowers, CB Tre Brown, and S Richie Grant. Adding Canteen is part of an effort to refresh and deepen the cornerback group, especially as the team needs players who can compete immediately for backup roles.
Moreover, this move underscores the 49ers’ confidence in their ability to identify talent among undrafted players. The team’s history is filled with success stories like TE George Kittle and RB Jordan Mason, both UDFAs who became key contributors. Canteen, with his impressive minicamp showing and solid college resume, could be the next “hidden gem” the 49ers hope to polish into a star.
“Shocking” but Logical
Though described as “shocking,” the 49ers’ decision is, in fact, a calculated and well-considered move. Derrick Canteen brings freshness, energy, and potential to the secondary, while Quindell Johnson, despite his solid foundation, no longer fits the team’s current needs. With the 2025 season approaching, the 49ers are demonstrating their willingness to make bold changes to build a competitive roster capable of chasing a Super Bowl.
Can Canteen seize this opportunity to establish himself in the 49ers’ lineup? Only time will tell. For now, he has earned the coaching staff’s trust and opened a promising new chapter in his career.