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49ers Release CB Isaiah Oliver

Originally posted on San Francisco 49ers on SI
By Jose Luis Sanchez III | Last updated Feb 23, 2024 4:33 PM ET

One and done.

The San Francisco 49ers are releasing cornerback Isaiah Oliver. The 49ers signed Oliver last offseason with the hope that he could anchor their vacant nickel corner spot. Safety Jimmie Ward held it down in 2022 and left to join the Houston Texans.

So, the 49ers looked at Oliver to be their starter at the behest of former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Well, that didn't work out smoothly at all. In fact, Oliver was a disaster. He only started six games and was a roller coaster ride in all of them.

The #49ers today announced they have released CB Isaiah Oliver.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 23, 2024

The 49ers pulled him in order to kick Deommodore Lenoir in the slot with Ambry Thomas as the starting outside corner. That worked out so well for them and factored into the defense's improvements. But the 49ers knew Oliver wasn't their guy early on. In training camp, there weren't rave reviews about him.

The disappointment in Oliver would be capped off in the preseason. He was playing late into the games, especially in the preseason finale. That meant the 49ers were trying hard to see something from him, but just could never see the fit. I'd imagine the failed Oliver signing was the beginning of the souring relationship with Wilks and Kyle Shanahan since Wilks advocated for them to sign him.

Releasing Oliver will save the 49ers $2.4 million. It was an easy choice for them to make. Now you have to wonder if the 49ers will look to dabble in free agency for a cornerback again. Or maybe they will finally let their young players grow.

This article first appeared on San Francisco 49ers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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