Isaiah Oliver, who was signed to complement starters Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, struggled to secure a consistent role in San Francisco. Consequently, he will be returning to free agency.
The 49ers announced on Friday that they have released Isaiah Oliver. The NFC champions will gain $2.4 million in cap space by parting ways with the veteran cornerback, who joined the team after spending five years with Atlanta.
Oliver, 27, saw action in 46% of the 49ers’ defensive snaps last season. Initially brought in to fulfill a big nickel role by former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Oliver was demoted after a three-game slump midseason.
By Week 8, Ambry Thomas had taken over as the team’s primary third corner. The 49ers only reinstated Oliver to a significant role in a Week 18 game involving many backups, following the team’s clinching of home-field advantage. During the playoffs, Oliver was limited to special teams play.
Despite this, he managed to tally 67 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery for the season. Oliver, a 6-foot-2 cornerback, was a regular starter for the Falcons over five years. However, an ACL tear during the 2021 season hampered his contract year, leading to a modest deal to remain with Atlanta for the 2022 campaign.
With Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, and Ambry Thomas all under contract for the 2024 season, the 49ers may still seek additional help in the cornerback position, especially given Thomas’s struggles during the playoffs and Oliver’s inability to fill the slot role as effectively as K’Waun Williams and Jimmie Ward.
