After a tumultuous 2024 season in the Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers saw multiple players on the defensive side of the ball depart the team in free agency. It was jarring for 49ers fans to see fan favorites like Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, and Dre Greenlaw sign lucrative multi-year deals with new teams.
In addition to those guys, veterans like Javon Hargrave and Leonard Floyd, who were both cut by San Fran, immediately found new opportunities. Veteran defensive back Isaac Yiadom was another free agent who left the 49ers this offseason, signing a three-year, $9 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.
For Yiadom, the opportunity to return to New Orleans after playing with the Saints for part of the 2022 season and the entire 2023 season looked like a good move for the veteran. The ex-49er gets some stability and a chance to start this upcoming season.
However, the 29-year-old defensive back might have some competition to start in New Orleans after the Saints addressed the cornerback spot in the 2025 NFL Draft late last month.
Former 49ers CB Isaac Yiadom Faces Competition From Rookie With Saints
The Saints signed Yiadom to a three-year deal during the first week of free agency in March, but then took former Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley in the fourth round of the 2025 draft.
The 5-foot-11 Riley lined up predominantly on the outside in college, but has the skills to play in the slot, which could help him get on the field right away. The young cornerback has great ball skills and instincts, while also being a good match-up defender.
That said, Riley is not an explosive athlete as he doesn’t have elite closing speed and has dealt with some injuries throughout his college career, which might have played a role in him falling to the fourth round. The rookie cornerback had 27 pass deflections and eight interceptions (one defensive TD) in his last three years at Louisville after spending the first years of college at Middle Tennessee State.
Nonetheless, if you are Yiadom, the job is yours to lose in New Orleans. The Saints are already set at the other outside corner spot with Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor in the slot.
Last season, Yiadom appeared in all 17 games and made five starts for the 49ers. He had 46 combined tackles, six pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception.
Yiadom also possessed a 58.5 completion percentage allowed on targets, an 88.7 pass rating allowed when targeted, and only gave up two touchdowns.
What also works in Yiadom’s favor is that Brandon Staley is the new defensive coordinator in New Orleans. Staley spent last year in San Francisco as an assistant head coach. Again, if Yiadom can hold off the rookie cornerback, a starting opportunity possibly awaits him.