5 San Francisco 49ers we can safely call busts after 2023 season

No. 1: 49ers cornerback Isaiah Oliver

One of San Francisco's more notable offseason free-agent pickups was veteran cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who was poised to take over the nickel back role in 2023 after inking a two-year deal worth $6.75 million, $2.91 million of which was guaranteed.

Early signs weren't encouraging, as Oliver was one of the handful of projected starters who found himself playing late in preseason games.

A number of issues plagued Oliver early in the season, too. He was credited with eight missed tackles, while he also allowed opposing quarterbacks to toss three touchdowns with a 101.0 passer rating when targeting him.

The net result forced the 49ers to bench Oliver in favor of Deommodore Lenoir moving from the boundary to the slot, which also meant Ambry Thomas would be a starter.

It's hard to see Oliver stick around into year two of his contract.

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