The Jets are making a key roster adjustment after losing veteran safety Isaiah Oliver for the remainder of the season. Oliver suffered a knee injury on Sunday, and the team has officially placed him on injured reserve, ending his 2025 campaign.
To fill the void, New York has signed defensive back Keidron Smith, a move aimed at reinforcing a secondary that's already had to navigate its share of adversity this season.
Oliver, 29, brought experience and versatility to the Jets’ defensive backfield. Originally a second-round pick by the Falcons in 2018 out of Colorado, Oliver carved out a solid NFL career built on physicality and positional flexibility. After completing his rookie contract in Atlanta, he stayed on for a fifth year with the Falcons before brief stops with the 49ers and eventually landing in New York.
This season, Oliver had been a steady contributor in the Jets’ secondary, appearing in 14 games and racking up 55 total tackles along with three pass breakups. He wasn’t just a depth piece - he was a reliable presence on the back end, particularly in sub-packages where his experience in both corner and safety roles gave the Jets options.
His absence now creates a ripple effect. Not only do the Jets lose a veteran voice in the locker room, but they also lose a player who had been quietly productive in a defense that’s leaned heavily on its secondary to stay competitive.
Enter Keidron Smith, who now gets a shot to prove himself in a system that values smart, physical defensive backs. While he may not have Oliver’s NFL mileage, Smith brings fresh legs and a chance to contribute down the stretch - whether on special teams or in spot duty in the defensive rotation.
For a Jets team still fighting to stay relevant in the playoff picture, every roster spot matters. And while Oliver’s injury is a tough blow, the signing of Smith signals that this team isn’t backing down from the challenge of keeping its defense sharp heading into the final weeks of the season.