49ers Agree to Terms with Eight Undrafted Rookie Free Agents The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with eight undrafted rookie free agents following the 2026 NFL Draft, the team announced on April 26, 2026. The signings include players from a variety of positions and collegiate programs, adding depth to the roster as the team prepares for training camp. Among the signings is Jack Bouwmeester, a punter from Texas who transferred from Utah in 2025. Bouwmeester averaged 45.5 yards per punt in 2023, leading the Pac-12, and will compete with Corliss Waitman for the starting punter job. The 49ers previously drafted Mitch Wishnowsky in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, also a product of Utah’s punting program. Khalil Dinkins, a tight complete from Penn State, signed with a reported $275,000 in guaranteed money, indicating the team views him as a priority free agent. Dinkins caught 37 passes over his four-year college career and was invited to the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.72-second 40-yard dash. Analysts note his blocking ability and potential to contribute while George Kittle is on injured reserve. Bryson Eason, a nose tackle from Tennessee, stands at 6-2 and 323 pounds. Though he recorded just 4.5 sacks over six years at Tennessee, Eason is projected as a run-stuffing presence in the A gap and is expected to compete for a practice squad spot. Wesley Grimes, a wide receiver from North Carolina State, was not invited to the NFL Combine after catching only 77 passes in four collegiate seasons. Although, his Pro Day performance included a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a 6.84-second 3-cone drill, highlighting his speed and agility. The 49ers see him as a practice squad candidate with upside to eventually earn a roster spot. Additional signings include Mikail Kamara (defensive lineman, Indiana), Will Pauling (wide receiver, Notre Dame), Jalen Stroman (safety, Notre Dame), and James Thompson (defensive lineman, Illinois). Each player brings specific traits the coaching staff believes could develop into valuable contributors. Undrafted free agent signings allow NFL teams to add talent without using draft picks, often targeting players with measurable athletic traits or specialized skills. While many undrafted rookies begin on practice squads, some earn active roster roles through strong performances in minicamp and training camp. The 49ers will evaluate these players during offseason workouts and training camp, with final roster decisions made closer to the regular season. The team’s approach reflects a strategy of identifying high-upside prospects who may have been overlooked in the draft due to limited college production or positional fit. As the NFL offseason progresses, the development of these undrafted signings will be monitored closely by coaches and analysts, particularly in positions where the team seeks depth or competition. Their success will depend on adaptability, work ethic, and performance in team-driven evaluations.
173