The 49ers’ number of picks next year is set to depend on how many snaps Isaac Yiadom plays for one of their NFC rivals.
The 49ers’ free agent signing of Isaac Yiadom last offseason did not work out. The veteran cornerback was consistently picked on in coverage and rightfully fell behind Renardo Green in the pecking order as the second-round pick enjoyed an impressive rookie season.
But Yiadom could still have an important, if indirect, role to play in the 49ers’ future
Yiadom was not re-signed by the 49ers following the expiry of his one-year deal, and he returned to the New Orleans Saints on a three-year, $9 million deal, one which could put the 49ers in a stronger position in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In a piece for Over The Cap, compensatory pick expert Nick Korte laid out the best and worst-case scenarios for every team in terms of comp picks.
For the 49ers, they are almost certainly set to receive at least three compensatory picks for the departures of Aaron Banks (fourth round), Charvarius Ward (fourth round) and Talanoa Hufanga (fifth round).
Per Korte, the Niners getting another fifth-rounder for Jaylon Moore signing with the Kansas City Chiefs is contingent on how many snaps Yiadom plays for the Saints in 2025.
Korte doesn’t go into the complicated comp pick formula, but he writes:
“The 49ers have the inverse situation of the Saints, where high snap count contributions by Yiadom can get them to max out at four total comp picks, with the fourth one being pretty decent in the 5th round. The other three comp picks look to be awarded to San Francisco no matter what.”
Right now, Yiadom looks likely to start for the Saints at outside corner along with Kool-Aid McKinstry, with Alontae Taylor playing the nickel for New Orleans.
That could change if rookie fourth-round pick Quincy Riley impresses but, as it stands, the 49ers appear likely to get two fourth-rounders and a pair of fifth-rounders for an oft-injured left guard, a cornerback who – for understandable reasons – made clear his desire to leave, a safety who played only seven games last year, and a backup tackle.
If that proves to be the case, the 49ers will have 10 picks in 2026, thanks at least in part to a corner who was never likely to be part of their long-term plans.