49ers part ways with former first-round DB

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Sunday evening that they have signed running back Khalil Herbert and defensive lineman Titus Leo to one-year contracts. In order to make room on the roster, the team waived veteran defensive back Eli Apple and rookie defensive end Mikail Kamara.

The addition of Herbert comes as San Francisco deals with injuries in the backfield during training camp. Isaac Guerendo remains unavailable while recovering from a pectoral injury, Jordan James is out with fractured ribs, and rookie Kaelon Black also appeared to be dealing with an injury during Saturday’s practice.

Herbert has played 63 NFL games with 13 starts across stints with the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets. The 28-year-old has recorded 416 rushing attempts for 1,957 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 54 receptions for 316 yards and two receiving scores. In 2025 with the Jets, he appeared in seven games, finishing with 16 carries for 52 yards and one catch for four yards. The veteran is expected to provide depth during the preseason alongside Black and Patrick Taylor.

Leo, a former sixth-round draft pick, has appeared in four NFL games across time with the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, logging one tackle and one pass defended. The 26-year-old most recently spent time on the Eagles practice squad during the 2025 season.

Apple, 31, originally joined the 49ers on a Reserve/Future contract on Jan. 20, 2026, after spending the end of the 2025 season with the organization. He appeared in two games during the 2025 campaign and recorded one tackle. The former first-round selection by the New York Giants in the 2016 NFL Draft has also spent time with the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco during his NFL career.

Kamara joined the team on April 26, 2026, after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent.

The move comes as the 49ers search for healthy defensive end depth. Kamara suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s practice after being carted off the field, while Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Keion White and Romello Height are also dealing with injuries, creating additional opportunities for Leo during training camp and the preseason.