How will John Lynch, 49ers fill nickel cornerback vacancy?
One of Steve Wilks' hand-picked free-agent pickups last offseason was nickel cornerback Isaiah Oliver, whom San Francisco signed to a two-year deal.
After Oliver's subsequent on-field struggles and benching, the 49ers parted ways with him halfway through his contract.
When asked how the Niners could fill the void, Lynch highlighted on-roster options, including 2023 rookie defensive back Darrell Luter Jr.
Asked about the 49ers' plans at nickelback after releasing Isaiah Oliver, John Lynch was very complimentary of Darrell Luter Jr.. before adding:
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) February 27, 2024
"That's a position you have to address every year. You just can't have enough of them."
Oliver's benching led to outside cornerback Deommodore Lenoir manning the slot, while depth corner Ambry Thomas occupied the boundary.
That's still an option, as both are still under contract into 2024. But, seeing how Thomas might be viewed as a weak point within the secondary, getting some heftier competition with someone like Luter makes sense.
Provided he ascends to the role and fills it adequately enough.