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49ers Sign Zamir White, Eli Apple, and Xavier Thomas in Mid-Camp Roster Moves
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- 49ers Sign Zamir White, Eli Apple, and Xavier Thomas in Mid-Camp Roster Moves
The San Francisco 49ers made a series of roster transactions ahead of their preseason opener, headlined by the signing of former Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White to a one year deal. ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the agreement following White's workout in Santa Clara earlier this week. In addition to White, San Francisco bolstered its secondary and defensive line by signing veteran cornerback Eli Apple and defensive lineman Xavier Thomas to one year contracts.
To clear spots on the 90-man roster, the team waived wide receiver Junior Bergen and punter Jack Bouwmeester, while waiving/injuring defensive lineman K.J. Henry.
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Backfield Reinforcements
The addition of White addresses a pressing depth issue in the 49ers' running back room. All-Pro starter Christian McCaffrey has been resting due to lower body "tightness," while rookie Kaelon Black works through an adductor injury and second year back Jordan James recovers from a rib fracture.
White (5-11, 227), 26, was selected by the Raiders in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Over his four-year tenure in Las Vegas (2022–25), the former Georgia standout appeared in 45 games (nine starts), rushing for 736 yards and two touchdowns on 198 carries while adding 25 receptions for 152 yards. In 2025, White saw limited action across six games, rushing 12 times for 32 yards. During his college career at Georgia, White rushed for 2,043 yards and 25 touchdowns over four seasons (2018–21).
Defensive Additions
Eli Apple (6-1, 203): The 31-year-old cornerback returns for another stint in Santa Clara. Originally taken 10th overall by the New York Giants in the 2016 NFL Draft, Apple brings 10 years of NFL experience across seven franchises, including the Giants, Saints, Panthers , Bengals , Dolphins, Chargers, and 49ers. Over 104 career regular-season games (82 starts), Apple has accumulated 380 tackles, 61 passes defensed, and six interceptions. Apple spent part of last season on San Francisco's practice squad, appearing in two games. He rejoined the team earlier this offseason before being waived on August 2, 2026, and now returns to provide veteran secondary depth.
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Xavier Thomas (6-2, 250): Selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, the 26 year old defensive lineman spent his first two pro seasons in Arizona. In 18 games with the Cardinals, Thomas recorded 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. A six year collegiate contributor at Clemson (2018–24), Thomas appeared in 61 games (30 starts) for the Tigers, tallying 121 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles while earning Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2021.
Corresponding Departures
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Junior Bergen (WR): The 5-foot-9 receiver initially signed a Reserve/Future contract with San Francisco in January 2026 before being waived.
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Jack Bouwmeester (P): The Australian punter originally signed a three year contract with the club on July 18, 2026.
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K.J. Henry (DL): Signed by the 49ers on July 29, 2026, Henry was waived with an injury designation.
