The New York Jets are continuing to make under-the-radar moves ahead of free agency.
Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network announced on social media that Gang Green had signed former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Isaiah Oliver to a one-year contract.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, he will immediately replace Jets free agent Bryce Hall “as the CB4/5.”
Hall, 26, is about to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career. He’s unlikely to return to the team in 2024.
Jets receive praise on social media after Oliver signing.
Oliver, 27, has been with the NFL for six seasons. He was selected 58th overall in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.
During that time, Oliver has three interceptions, 36 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and over 270 total tackles.
He has featured in 79 games, making 44 starts. He spent the first five years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, and this past season with the 49ers.
Oliver is connected to the 49ers’ staff, which has ties to the Jets. He also collaborated with Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich from 2018 to 2020 while playing for the Falcons.
The Jet Press stated on Twitter that the Jets’ cornerback room “is so clearly the best in the NFL.”
“Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, Michael Carter II, Isaiah Oliver, and Brandon Echols. All five are under contract for next season. “Elite top three and fantastic depth,” TJP added.
According to Cimini, Oliver “already knows the system” and adds adaptability to the defense’s backside.
“The 27-year-old played primarily in the slot for the 49ers, but he has extensive starting experience on the outside,” he said.
Jets retain an underrated piece ahead of free agency.
The green and white secured one of their own late on Sunday, March 10.
According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, tight end Kenny Yeboah “has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Jets.” He was set to become a restricted free agent this offseason.
Yeboah, 25, has spent the first three years of his career with the Jets, which will continue throughout 2024.
He has only appeared in 24 games throughout that time, with one start. Yeboah has been praised for his special teams abilities.
That leaves the Jets’ tight end room at four players entering free agency. They have Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert, Yeboah, and Zack Kuntz.
If the Jets started with this unit in Week 1, they would be league average, which is more than adequate.
New York has a long list of needs, and it will be a while before you reach the tight end position. However, there is a desire to select Brock Bowers out of Georgia in the first round of the April selection.
If the Green and White can address all of their major issues before of the draft, Bowers might be a real contender for the No. 10 overall pick. However, if the team is unable to fill the offensive line and wide receiver positions, Bowers will most likely be a pipe dream.
Paul A. Esden Jr. covers the New York Jets for Heavy.com. He is a native of New York and the official PA voice of the Syracuse Strong Football Club. He also co-hosts Cumulus Media’s morning show, “The Manchild Show with Boy Green.” Before joining Heavy in 2021, Esden Jr. reported on national and New York sports for FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Score 1260. More about Paul A. Esden Jr.
