Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reacts after the Kansas City Chiefs picked up a first down in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
"Did Not See This Coming" 49ers Land10-Year Veteran In Surprising Move - What We Know 1
The San Francisco 49ers are bringing in some veteran experience just before the 2026 pre-season starts. The news of the addition was reported on Wednesday afternoon and has quickly gained the attention of multiple teams.
Here are the details.
August 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsAugust 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
49ers Sign 104-Game Veteran Prior to 2026 Season
On Wednesday, the 49ers announced several roster moves. The 49ers have signed cornerback Eli Apple and defensive lineman Xavier Thomas, in addition to running back Zamir White.
Apple spent part of this year’s offseason program and the beginning of training camp with the 49ers before he was released earlier this month. Apple, the No. 10 overall pick in 2016, appeared in two games for San Francisco last season.
Thomas, a fifth-round pick in 2024, has played 18 games for the Cardinals over the past two seasons. In his career, he has recorded 2.5 sacks. Junior Bergen, Jack Bouwmeester, and KJ Henry were waived as corresponding roster moves.
Eli Apple’s Career Stats
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) is walked off the field for an injury in the second quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectCincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) is walked off the field for an injury in the second quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) is walked off the field for an injury in the second quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Throughout his 10 years in the league Apple accumulated the following numbers:
104 games played
82 total starts
6 interceptions
61 pass deflections
3 forced fumbles
7 fumble recoveries
0.5 career sacks
384 total tackles
313 solo tackles
7 tackles for loss
Playoff Stats
12 games played
11 total starts
6 pass deflections
56 total tackles
46 solo tackles
2 tackles for loss