Full Breakdown
49ers Add Veteran Wide Receiver KhaDarel Hodge
8/6/2026, 7:18:37 AM
Background: Hodge’s career and connection to staff
San Francisco’s signing of 31-year-old wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge was reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Hodge entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and has spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. Two of his four seasons with Atlanta overlapped with Raheem Morris, who is now the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, providing a prior working relationship with the coaching staff.
Roster Needs: Injuries prompting the move
The 49ers entered training camp with a depleted receiver group, having lost rookie Ricky Pearsall to a season-ending knee injury. The addition of Hodge is intended to bolster depth at the position and provide a reliable special-teams contributor, a role he filled for most of his 2023 season with Atlanta.
Player Profile & Statistics
Across his NFL career, Hodge has recorded 67 receptions for 1,026 yards and two touchdowns. In the most recent season, he logged three catches for 31 yards in 12 games, primarily contributing on special teams. His experience on multiple rosters and familiarity with the 49ers’ defensive coordinator are cited as factors in the decision to bring him aboard.
Potential Role and Impact
Hodge’s veteran presence is expected to give the 49ers flexibility in both offensive packages and special-teams units. While not projected as a primary target, his ability to step in as a depth receiver and perform on kickoff and punt coverage addresses the immediate roster gaps created by injuries. The signing reflects the team’s broader strategy of adding seasoned players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game during a season marked by early-camp setbacks at receiver.
