The San Francisco 49ers added depth to their roster Sunday by signing a pair of veterans during training camp, continuing a busy stretch of personnel moves for the team.
Officials confirmed the addition of running back Khalil Herbert and defensive lineman Titus Leo on one-year contracts. Both players had worked out for the club over the weekend before the deals were finalized.
In related transactions, the 49ers released cornerback Eli Apple and waived injured defensive lineman Mikail Kamara to clear space on the roster.
The moves come after the team re-signed wide receiver Deebo Samuel earlier in the week and placed wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve. Those earlier decisions had already reshaped parts of the offense and special teams groups.
Herbert brings several years of NFL experience to the backfield. Selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, the 5-foot-9, 212-pound back spent more than three seasons in Chicago before a midseason trade sent him to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024.
He finished that campaign with the Bengals and then signed with the New York Jets for the 2025 season. Limited to seven games with the Jets, Herbert managed just 16 carries for 52 yards.
Over his full career, Herbert has appeared in 63 games with 13 starts. He has rushed 416 times for 1,957 yards and nine touchdowns while catching 54 passes for 316 yards and two scores. At age 28, he still has time left to contribute as a complementary piece.
The 49ers’ running back group is led by Christian McCaffrey, who is expected to shoulder the majority of the carries once again. An injury to Jordan James during the opening week of camp created an immediate need for additional depth behind McCaffrey.
Rookie Kaelon Black, selected out of Indiana, remains in the mix along with Isaac Guerendo. Guerendo is still working his way back from a pectoral injury suffered previously, leaving the unit thinner than projected at the start of camp.
Herbert’s arrival offers a proven option who can spell McCaffrey and handle short-yardage or third-down situations if needed. Coaches have emphasized the importance of keeping the primary backs fresh through the long preseason and regular-season grind.
On the defensive side, Leo provides another body along the line as the team evaluates its depth chart. The roster continues to shift as camp progresses and coaches assess which players best fit the scheme.
Training camp has already produced several adjustments as the 49ers prepare for the upcoming season. The organization has shown a willingness to bring in experienced players who can compete immediately for roles.
Herbert will now join practices and work to earn snaps in the crowded but injured running back room. His track record of production in previous stops gives him a chance to make an impact if opportunities arise.
The latest signings keep the 49ers active on the free-agent market while they fine-tune the roster before the regular season approaches. Further changes remain possible as evaluations continue in the weeks ahead.
