Isaac Yiadom hopes the 49ers are his last NFL team and wants to make Bay his home

SANTA CLARA – Cornerback Isaac Yiadom will make his debut for the 49ers on Monday night at Levi's Stadium.

And Yiadom is expected to be on the field for the 49ers' most important defensive snaps against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.

The 49ers are Yiadom's sixth different team since entering the NFL in 2018, but he believes he has earned the right to settle down and find a home.

“I really don’t know why,” Yiadom replied when asked about his long journey, “but I truly hope and believe that this will be my last stop.

“I've spoken to my DB coach about it. I want to make this place my home. I feel comfortable here. I know the season will go well.”

Despite missing most of training camp due to an ankle injury, Yiadom carved out a key role for himself in the 49ers' defense early in the regular season.

When the 49ers switch to their nickel defense in Week 1, Yiadom will take over the cornerback position while Deommodore Lenoir will slide inside to cover the slot receiver.

Yiadom won that job over Renardo Green, the 49ers' second-round draft pick.

Yiadom (pronounced YEAH-dum) previously played for the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints. He is the 49ers' No. 3 cornerback behind Lenoir and Charvarius Ward.

“The coolest thing is that I think he's a self-made man,” 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said of Yiadom. “He's a worker. And I have a lot of respect for guys like that.”

Yiadom said his mindset changed when he joined the Saints. After two trades and three release, he worked his way up from the Saints' practice squad toward the end of the 2022 season.

“I decided to relax and play fast without doubting myself,” Yiadom said. “That's exactly what I'm doing now. When I play fast and don't doubt myself, it works great for me.”

The 49ers expect Yiadom to be a significant addition to the team's nickel defense this season.

Last year, the 49ers often used Ambry Thomas as a cornerback on passing attempts. Thomas repeatedly struggled and was eventually benched.

After spending one season with the 49ers, Yiadom is happy to have signed him to a one-year, $1.9 million deal. He has a chance to be part of the 49ers' future as Lenoir and Ward become free agents at the end of the season.

Yiadom is entering his seventh NFL season, which is a testament to his work ethic and professional attitude – even if he has not been able to stick around anywhere for an extended period of time.

“There's usually no surprise and it's not a coincidence when these guys become what they become,” Sorensen said. “Maybe the surprising part would be, did he find out later?”

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