Full Breakdown
Mikail Kamara Signs with San Francisco 49ers as Undrafted Free Agent
4/26/2026, 4:18:29 AM
Signing Details
On Saturday night, April 25 2026, the San Francisco 49ers signed Indiana defensive end Mikail Kamara as an undrafted free agent, adding him to the post-draft roster.
College Career and Transfer Path
Kamara entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season with only two FBS offers and joined Indiana, becoming the first player to verbally commit to coach Curt Cignetti’s inaugural class. He started all 16 games in 2025, anchoring a defensive front described as “the most impactful in the country.” He earned first-team Big Ten honors in 2024 and recorded the first Hoosier double-digit sack season (10.0) since 2008. In the national title game, Kamara blocked a punt for a touchdown, the first such play in College Football Playoff history.
Performance Metrics and Athletic Testing
Over two seasons, Kamara logged 22 tackles for loss and pressured quarterbacks in 39 of 52 games. He posted 59 pressures in 2025 and 68 in 2024, totaling 127 pressures—a top-nation figure. His sack totals were 10.0 in 2024 (the first Hoosier double-digit season since 2008) and 2.0 in 2025. At Indiana’s Pro Day he ran a 4.9-second 40-yard dash, recorded a 34-inch vertical and a 9-ft 1-in broad jump, earning a 2.15 Relative Athletic Score that placed him 1,766th of 2,248 defensive ends tested since 1987. USA Today ranked him No. 184 among the top 200 draft prospects.
Official Statements & Responses
49ers officials highlighted Kamara’s consistent pressure production and special-teams experience as reasons for the signing. Indiana beat reporter Michael Niziolek praised his “relentless attitude on the field” as a catalyst for IU’s season, underscoring his value to the 49ers’ depth chart. The move fits the 49ers’ broader approach of adding undrafted players who have proven impact at the collegiate level.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts noted Kamara’s injury history, including a stinger against Oregon, and his 2.15 Relative Athletic Score, which ranks in the lower third of defensive-end prospects, suggesting below-average athleticism that may limit immediate NFL impact.
Why It Matters
Kamara’s transition from a two-year Indiana starter to an NFL UDFA underscores the Hoosiers’ growing reputation as a pipeline for professional talent. For the 49ers, he adds depth at defensive end and a potential special-teams asset, aligning with a strategy of leveraging undrafted contributors.
Verbatim Quote
“When I went out there, it wasn't something that I've never practiced before. I kind of just went out there and did stuff that I've been taught day in and day out, so it just all came natural.” — Mikail Kamara, Defensive End, Indiana Hoosiers
What's Next
Kamara will report to the 49ers as part of their undrafted free-agent class, where he will compete for a roster spot.
