49ers quietly make 8 roster moves immediately after 2026 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers definitely had a unique approach to their 2026 NFL Draft class, grabbing niche players, including a speedy blocker of a wide receiver in De'Zhaun Stribling with their top pick.

Stribling and the other top picks understandably command the bulk of attention with the Niners' offseason program fast approaching. And it'll be interesting to see which of the drafted players stand out for the right (or wrong) reasons.

However, in order to get the offseason roster up to 90 players, general manager John Lynch and Co. opted to make some phone calls once the draft was complete, inking undrafted prospects to contracts with the hope of developing some hidden gems.

This has been successful for San Francisco before. Running back Matt Breida, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and linebacer Azeez Al-Shaair were all one-time 49ers who ended up securing prominent roles after going undrafted.

Perhaps one or more of these post-drafted signings winds up following a similar path.

49ers sign several undrafted free agents following 2026 NFL Draft

DT James Thompson, Illinois

The Niners spent considerable effort reinforcing the interior of their defensive line, and James Thompson will play a role in that.

A $280,000 guarantee on his contract suggests he has a good chance to do so.

TE Khalil Dinkins, Penn State

San Francisco anticipates George Kittle is back in time for Week 1 after tearing his Achilles last January, but finding some tight end insurance would still go a long way toward ensuring Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell aren't the only reserves.

DE Mikail Kamara, Indiana

An undersized pass-rusher, Mikail Kamara boasted 10 sacks in 2024.

WR Will Pauling, Notre Dame

At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Will Pauling undoubtedly has durability concerns, and he's not exactly a return specialist either.

P Jack Bouwmeester, Texas

San Francisco signed Corliss Waitman to handle punting duties, but it's not uncommon to bring in some competition right now to evaluate in-season options if Waitman suffers an injury or doesn't perform up to standard.

S Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame

Not drafting a safety was a bit of a surprise for the 49ers, but Jalen Stroman could have found his number called at some point in the latter rounds.

He didn't, though, and the Niners may look to the defensive back as a sleeper to round out their secondary in the not-too-distant future.

WR Wesley Grimes, North Carolina State

At 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds, Wesley Grimes should provide some competition to the back end of an overhauled wide receiver room right away.

DL Bryson Eason, Tennessee

More defensive reinforcements arrive, and Bryson Eason looks to help round out the defensive line depth chart once offseason programs begin.

That might be his ceiling, though.

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