The San Francisco 49ers have moved swiftly to bolster their roster with a wave of undrafted free agent signings following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, targeting depth and potential at several key positions including defensive line, safety, and edge rusher. The team, which entered the draft with a clear strategy to address specific needs, has now turned its attention to the undrafted market, securing a dozen players who will compete for spots on the 90-man roster during rookie minicamp and training camp. These signings come as the franchise looks to build on its competitive foundation, with several prospects bringing notable college production and unique physical traits that could translate to the NFL level. The 49ers have a history of finding value in undrafted free agents, and this year’s class appears to offer a mix of experienced seniors and athletic playmakers who could surprise during preseason evaluations. Among the most intriguing additions is edge rusher Muel Kamara from Indiana, who brings a relentless motor and impressive pressure numbers from a national championship-winning season. The team also addressed the safety position, which was left untouched in the draft, by signing Notre Dame’s Jaylen Strowman, a versatile defender who can play near the line of scrimmage or in coverage. With the 2026 season on the horizon, these signings represent the first wave of competition for roster spots, and the 49ers are clearly prioritizing players who can contribute immediately or develop into long-term assets.
The 49ers have signed defensive lineman Bryson Een from the Tennessee Volunteers, a six-year senior who brings a powerful build and run-stopping ability to the interior of the defensive line. Een, who measures 6-foot-2 and 323 pounds, recorded 31 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss during the 2025 season, along with 13 pressures, though he failed to register a sack. His shorter arms and inconsistent instincts have been noted as areas of concern, but his twitchy athleticism and strong hands make him a potential asset against the run. The 49ers have a solid rotation of defensive tackles who can either rush the passer or stop the run, and Een could carve out a role as a depth piece if he can refine his technique. His experience in the SEC, where he faced high-level competition, should help him adjust to the speed of the NFL, but he will need to prove he can maintain leverage and avoid being pushed around by stronger offensive linemen. The team’s defensive coaching staff will likely focus on developing his hand usage and pad level during training camp, as those are critical areas for success at the professional level. Een’s signing underscores the 49ers’ commitment to building a deep defensive line that can rotate fresh bodies throughout games, a strategy that has paid dividends in recent seasons.
Safety Jaylen Strowman, who played his college football at Notre Dame, has signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent, providing depth to a position group that was widely considered one of the weakest on the roster entering the offseason. Strowman, who stands just over 6 feet tall and weighs 203 pounds, recorded 37 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three pass breakups, and one interception during the 2025 campaign, which he returned for a touchdown. His ability to play around the line of scrimmage and contribute in run support makes him a versatile option for defensive coordinator Nick Sorenson, who values safeties who can blitz and cover tight ends. The 49ers did not select a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving the position thin behind starter Talanoa Hufanga and backups who have yet to prove themselves at the NFL level. Strowman’s experience in a competitive Notre Dame program, which narrowly missed the College Football Playoff, should help him compete for a roster spot, but he will need to show he can handle the speed and complexity of NFL offenses. The team may still explore trade options for veteran safeties, but Strowman’s signing gives them a young, cost-controlled option who could develop into a reliable contributor.
Wide receiver Wesley Grimes, who played at NC State, has signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent, bringing solid size and a knack for making chunk plays to the receiving corps. Grimes, who measures 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, recorded 29 catches on 46 targets for 430 yards and three touchdowns during the 2025 season, averaging nearly 15 yards per reception. His career totals include 77 catches for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns, showing consistent production despite playing in an ACC offense that often spread the ball around. Grimes had only one drop on 46 targets last year, highlighting his reliability as a pass catcher, and his ability to pick up yards after the catch could make him a valuable asset in the 49ers’ offense. The team has a deep wide receiver room led by Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, but injuries and depth concerns have plagued the position in recent seasons. Grimes will need to compete with other undrafted signees and veteran camp bodies for a spot on the practice squad or the active roster, but his size and route-running ability give him a fighting chance. The 49ers have a history of developing late-round and undrafted wide receivers into contributors, and Grimes could follow that path if he impresses during preseason games.
The 49ers have added a punter to their roster, signing Jake Bowmeister out of Texas, a left-footed Australian who brings a strong leg and experience in a high-pressure college program. Bowmeister, who stands nearly 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds, punted 59 times for the Longhorns during the 2025 season, averaging 44.12 yards per punt with a net average of 38.8 yards. He placed 39 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line and recorded a long punt of 62 yards, showing the ability to flip the field when needed. His career average of 43.5 yards per punt over multiple seasons demonstrates consistency, and his Australian background mirrors that of former 49ers punter Mitch Wishnowsky, who was drafted by the team several years ago. Bowmeister will compete with Corus Weightman, a left-footed punter signed during free agency who previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, creating a training camp battle that could determine the team’s specialist for the 2026 season. The 49ers have prioritized special teams under head coach Kyle Shanahan, and a strong punter can be a game-changer in close contests. Bowmeister’s ability to handle pressure in big games at Texas should serve him well as he transitions to the NFL, but he will need to prove he can consistently punt with hang time and accuracy to win the job.
Edge rusher Muel Kamara, who played at Indiana and helped the Hoosiers win a national championship under coach Curt Signetti, is arguably the most notable undrafted free agent signing for the 49ers, bringing a wealth of talent and production to the pass rush. Kamara, who is 25 years old and a six-year senior, measures just under 6-foot-1 and weighs 250 pounds, with good size for an edge defender. He recorded 59 pressures during the 2025 regular season, along with 34 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, though his sack numbers dipped after a 10-sack campaign in 2024. His pressure numbers are impressive, especially considering the level of competition in the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff, where he faced elite offensive linemen. Kamara has a diverse pass rush arsenal, including a variety of moves that allow him to win with technique and effort, though his speed and length could be issues at the NFL level. He plays above his size in the run game, using leverage and power to shed blocks, but he will need to improve his ability to disengage from larger tackles. The 49ers have a strong edge rotation with Nick Bosa and Drake Jackson, but depth is always a priority, and Kamara’s motor and production make him a candidate to earn a roster spot as a rotational pass rusher. His age and experience could work in his favor, as he is more physically mature than many rookies, but he will face stiff competition from other undrafted players and veteran free agents.
Tight end Khalil Dinkens, who played at Penn State, has signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent, bringing elite run-blocking skills and athletic traits that could make him a developmental asset. Dinkens, who measures 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds, was seldom used as a receiver in college, recording just 14 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns during the 2025 season, but his role as a blocker was critical to Penn State’s offense. He has fantastic length and the athleticism to develop into a pass catcher, though he was rarely targeted downfield due to the presence of Mackey Award winner Tyler Warren. The 49ers have a need at tight end behind George Kittle, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, and current backup Jake Tonis is not known for his run blocking. Dinkens could fill that role as a blocker, similar to how the team has used tight ends like Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner in the past. His ability to seal the edge and create running lanes for the 49ers’ backs could be valuable, especially in a run-heavy offense. Dinkens will need to prove he can contribute as a receiver in training camp, but his blocking prowess gives him a clear path to a roster spot if he can stay healthy and learn the playbook. The 49ers have a history of developing tight ends, and Dinkens could be the next in line if he shows the necessary growth.
Wide receiver Will Pauling, who played at Notre Dame, has signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent, bringing a smaller frame but explosive playmaking ability to the receiving corps. Pauling, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 183 pounds, recorded 26 catches on 41 targets for 381 yards and six touchdowns during the 2025 season, averaging 14.7 yards per reception. His career totals include over 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns, showing consistent production for a Fighting Irish team that relied heavily on its running game. Pauling had only two drops on 41 targets last year, highlighting his reliability, and his ability to make explosive plays downfield could make him a weapon in the slot. The 49ers have a deep wide receiver room, but Pauling’s speed and route-running ability could earn him a look as a return specialist or a depth option. He will need to compete with other undrafted signees and veteran players for a roster spot, but his college production and experience in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame should help him adjust to the NFL. Pauling’s size may limit him to a slot role, but the 49ers have used smaller receivers effectively in the past, and he could carve out a niche if he impresses during preseason.
Defensive lineman James Thompson, who played at Illinois, has signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent, and his contract includes $280,000 in guaranteed money, signaling the team’s strong interest in his potential. Thompson, who measures just under 6-foot-6 and weighs 308 pounds, is a six-year senior with a unique build for a defensive tackle, using his height to bat down passes and disrupt passing lanes. He recorded 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and 15 pressures during the 2025 season, along with a pass breakup, showing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His height gives him an advantage in tipping passes at the line of scrimmage, a skill that could be valuable in the 49ers’ defensive scheme. Thompson’s experience in the Big Ten, where he faced powerful offensive linemen, should help him transition to the NFL, but he will need to improve his pad level and leverage to avoid being pushed around. The guaranteed money in his contract suggests the 49ers see him as a potential practice squad player who could develop into a rotational piece. Thompson’s signing adds depth to a defensive line that already features several talented players, and he could compete for a roster spot if he shows improvement during training camp.
Cornerback Kobe Humphrey, who played at Washington State, has been invited to try out for the 49ers during rookie minicamp, giving him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot as an undrafted free agent. Humphrey, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 186 pounds, recorded 53 tackles, two tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and two interceptions during the 2025 season, showing solid production in the Pac-12. His ability to play both man and zone coverage could make him a versatile option for the 49ers’ secondary, which is looking for depth behind starters Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir. Humphrey will need to prove he can handle the speed of NFL receivers during minicamp and training camp, but his college experience and ball skills give him a chance to earn a practice squad spot. The 49ers have a history of finding undrafted cornerbacks who contribute on special teams, and Humphrey could fill that role if he impresses the coaching staff. His invitation to try out is not a guarantee of a contract, but it shows the team is interested in evaluating his potential.
Safety Darien Deuce Chestnut, who played at Syracuse, has been invited to try out for the 49ers during rookie minicamp, bringing a physical style and a knack for making tackles to the defensive backfield. Chestnut, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 200 pounds, recorded 93 tackles over two seasons at Syracuse, along with six career interceptions, showing his ability to both stop the run and create turnovers. He had 48 tackles, half a tackle for loss, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble during the 2025 season, continuing his reputation as a hard-hitting safety. His nickname Deuce reflects his aggressive playing style, and he could be a candidate for a roster spot if he shows he can cover NFL receivers and tight ends. The 49ers have a need at safety, and Chestnut’s experience in a Power Five program could help him compete for a depth role. He will need to prove he can handle the mental aspects of the NFL game, but his tackle production and ball skills give him a foundation to build on.
Linebacker Caleb Perry, who played at Louisville, has been invited to try out for the 49ers during rookie minicamp, bringing size and production to a position group that values versatility. Perry, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 235 pounds, recorded a career-high 55 tackles and an interception during the 2025 season, showing his ability to contribute in both run defense and coverage. He hails from Georgetown, Kentucky, and stayed local to play for the Cardinals, where he developed into a reliable linebacker. Perry will need to prove he can handle the speed of the NFL and compete with the 49ers’ established linebackers, including Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. His size and athleticism could make him a candidate for special teams, where the 49ers often find roles for undrafted players. Perry’s invitation to try out is a chance to showcase his skills, and if he impresses, he could earn a contract and a spot on the practice squad. The 49ers are always looking for depth at linebacker, and Perry’s college production gives him a fighting chance to make the roster.
Competition is already intensifying across positions.
