Isaac Yiadom Bio
Isaac Yiadom, born on February 20, 1996, is an American professional football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). A graduate of Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Massachusetts, he played college football for the Boston College Eagles before entering the NFL.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 187 pounds, Yiadom has built his career as a reliable defensive back. Originally drafted in 2018, he has spent time with multiple organizations across the league while continuing to develop his game at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Isaac Yiadom was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and is the son of Ghanaian immigrants. He grew up in the United States and pursued his secondary education at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he began developing the skills that would eventually earn him a path to major college football.
During his time at Doherty Memorial, Yiadom drew attention from college recruiters for his size and coverage ability. His performances in high school led to scholarship offers from several programs, including Bryant, Holy Cross, and Connecticut. After weighing his options, he chose to sign with Boston College, a program with a strong tradition of developing defensive backs.
Path to American Football
After high school, Isaac Yiadom signed with Boston College and joined the Eagles football program. He developed steadily within the team’s defensive system, showing the kind of length and athleticism that scouts look for in cornerback prospects. By the time he reached his senior year, he had positioned himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Following his senior season, Yiadom was invited to the 2018 Senior Bowl, joining Boston College teammates Harold Landry and Kamrin Moore. It marked the first time since 2006 that three Boston College players were invited to the prestigious all-star game. He also performed at Boston College’s pro day, completing a full battery of drills for scouts in attendance.
Isaac Yiadom Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
The Denver Broncos selected Isaac Yiadom in the third round (99th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft, making him the 11th cornerback taken that year. On May 25, 2018, the Broncos signed him to a four-year, $3.32 million contract that included a signing bonus of $761,516. He joined a defensive secondary that included established veterans, giving him time to learn the professional game.
Yiadom spent his first two NFL seasons with Denver, working primarily in a rotational role. His time with the Broncos allowed him to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses before he was traded to the New York Giants in September 2020.
New York Giants (2020)
On September 3, 2020, the Denver Broncos traded Isaac Yiadom to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2021 seventh-round draft pick. The move gave Yiadom an opportunity for a larger role on a new defense.
Yiadom made the most of the change, starting ten games for the Giants during his single season with the team. His experience on the outside and in the slot gave the New York secondary additional depth, and he finished the year as a regular contributor before moving on the following offseason.
Green Bay Packers (2021)
On August 17, 2021, Yiadom was traded to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for cornerback Josh Jackson. The trade placed him in a competitive depth chart that featured stars such as Jaire Alexander and Kevin King.
Yiadom earned a start in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears after injuries to both starting cornerbacks, but a pass interference penalty on the opening drive led to a Bears touchdown, and he was subsequently replaced by backup Rasul Douglas. The change resulted in Yiadom being relegated to a backup and special teams role. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in November 2021 and was activated shortly afterward. He was released on January 21, 2022, ahead of the Packers’ divisional playoff game.
Houston Texans (2022)
On March 24, 2022, Isaac Yiadom signed with the Houston Texans in free agency. He joined the team looking to compete for a roster spot in a rebuilding secondary.
Yiadom was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, and was later waived on November 15, 2022, after a brief return to the roster. His time in Houston was short, but it kept him active in the league while he awaited his next opportunity.
New Orleans Saints First Stint (2022–2023)
On November 17, 2022, Isaac Yiadom was signed to the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints. Less than three weeks later, on December 5, he was promoted to the active roster, giving him a chance to finish the season in a new defensive system.
Yiadom re-signed with the Saints on March 23, 2023, signaling the team’s interest in retaining him as part of their secondary depth. His steady play in practice and on special teams helped him maintain a role within the organization heading into the following year.
San Francisco 49ers (2024)
On March 18, 2024, Isaac Yiadom signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He joined a defense known for its complexity and physicality, offering him a fresh opportunity to showcase his versatility.
Yiadom appeared in all 17 games for San Francisco in 2024, including five starts. He registered one interception, six pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 46 combined tackles. His full-season durability and production made him a dependable rotational piece on one of the league’s top defenses.
New Orleans Saints Second Stint (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Isaac Yiadom signed a three-year, $9 million contract to return to the New Orleans Saints. The deal marked a homecoming of sorts, as he had previously spent time in the organization’s defensive system.
The contract reflects the Saints’ confidence in Yiadom’s ability to contribute on defense and special teams. Returning to a familiar scheme, he is expected to provide veteran depth in the secondary and compete for a starting role.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Isaac Yiadom’s career is his 2018 third-round selection by the Denver Broncos, a placement that confirmed his projection as a top cornerback prospect. His appearance in the 2018 Senior Bowl alongside two Boston College teammates marked a notable program milestone, and his full 17-game season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024 stood as one of his most complete professional campaigns.
Isaac Yiadom Career Wins
Isaac Yiadom’s professional resume is built on consistency rather than a single dominant stretch. Across stints with the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers, he has carved out a role as a dependable rotational cornerback and special teams contributor.
New Orleans Saints Highlights
Yiadom joined the Saints’ practice squad in November 2022 and was promoted to the active roster in December of the same year. He re-signed with the team in March 2023 and remained a contributor before eventually departing for San Francisco. His return to New Orleans on a three-year, $9 million contract in March 2025 represented one of the more significant moves of his career and underscored the franchise’s trust in his reliability.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his time in New Orleans, Yiadom’s most complete statistical season came with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024, when he played all 17 games, started five, and tallied an interception, six pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 46 combined tackles. Earlier in his career, he started ten games for the New York Giants in 2020, establishing himself as a capable NFL cornerback.
Isaac Yiadom Family
Family Background and Lineage
Isaac Yiadom is the son of Ghanaian immigrants, a heritage that has shaped his background and personal identity. He was born and raised in the United States, growing up in a household that emphasized hard work and perseverance.
Personal Life
Yiadom grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, before later attending Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Massachusetts. Public details about his marital status, spouse, and children have not been widely reported.
2025 Season Performance
Isaac Yiadom entered the 2025 season as a returning veteran for the New Orleans Saints after signing a three-year, $9 million contract in March 2025. His deal signaled the organization’s plan to lean on his experience and versatility in the secondary.
With a full offseason in the team’s defensive system, Yiadom is positioned to compete for an expanded role in 2025. His track record of appearing in all 17 games the prior season with the San Francisco 49ers suggests he can provide durable, reliable play while contributing on special teams.
As the season progresses, Yiadom’s combination of size, experience, and familiarity with the Saints’ scheme is expected to make him a key depth piece. His performance in training camp and early-season rotation will likely determine how prominently he factors into the team’s weekly defensive plans.