New York Jets boost the CB room with their first free agent signing
The New York Jets are on the board in free agency.
After re-signing Chuck Clark to a one-year deal, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the Jets have agreed to terms with cornerback Isaiah Oliver on a one-year contract. The terms of the agreement have not yet been made official.
#Jets agreed to terms with CB Isaiah Oliver, source says. One-year deal.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2024
Oliver had been released by the San Francisco 49ers, which is why he was free to negotiate with teams before the start of legal tampering on Monday.
The 27-year-old cornerback spent the 2023 season with San Francisco, a team head coach Robert Saleh is very familiar with. Playing in 17 games with six starts, Oliver had 44 solo tackles, an interception, and a pass deflection while also contributing two quarterback hits. In coverage, Oliver was targeted 51 times and allowed 46 receptions for 320 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, per Pro Football Focus.
Before his one season with San Francisco, Oliver played with the Atlanta Falcons from 2018-2022. Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was a linebackers coach on Atlanta’s staff during that time, and he also had a short stint as the Falcons’ interim defensive coordinator in 2020.
The signing of Oliver brings depth to the Jets’ cornerback room. In his career, Oliver has played over 1,000 snaps at both slot and outside corner. His versatility should allow him to back up multiple spots.
Additionally, Oliver is a special teams contributor, something the Jets have valued in the past with their role players.
Oliver will likely replace free agent Bryce Hall as a backup cornerback for the Jets’ defense, and he also could potentially replace the special teams snaps of Justin Hardee, another free agent.
With the addition of Oliver, the Jets’ cornerback room is as talented and deep as ever. While this is a small move and the team still has plenty of additions to make, it is good to see that the Jets have ensured their cornerback depth is solidified.
