In a significant move, the San Francisco 49ers have parted ways with cornerback Isaiah Oliver. The decision comes just a year into Oliver’s two-year contract, which was worth $6.75 million. By releasing him, the 49ers are set to save $2.4 million against the salary cap. With this move, San Francisco now has some breathing room, starting the day with just $4.625 million under the cap.
Oliver, 27, joined the 49ers for the 2023 season but failed to cement a long-term role on the team. Despite appearing in 17 regular-season games, with six starts, Oliver’s contributions were limited, tallying 67 tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. Interestingly, his impact was primarily felt on special teams, as he didn’t see any action on defense during the team’s postseason run, logging 35 snaps exclusively on special teams.
Prior to donning the red and gold, Oliver had a noteworthy stint with the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him in the second round back in 2018. Spending five seasons with the Falcons, Oliver emerged as a consistent presence in the secondary, starting in 38 of the 62 games he played for the franchise. However, his departure from Atlanta came after the 2022 season when he explored free agency.
Overall, Oliver brings a wealth of experience to the table, boasting 270 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two sacks across his 79-game career, with 44 starts under his belt. While his time with the 49ers may have been short-lived, Oliver’s journey in the NFL is a testament to his resilience and adaptability on the field.
