The San Francisco 49ers released a statement noting a pair of roster movers made by the team, signing defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour and releasing cornerback Eli Apple just over a week into training camp.
Dwumfour, a 27-year-old former Rutgers standout, returns to the Bay Area for a second stint with the franchise after previously appearing in games for the team during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The 6-foot-1, 296-pound lineman brings depth and familiarity to a defensive front looking to solidify its rotation ahead of the regular season.
Undrafted out of Michigan in 2021, Dwumfour originally signed with the New York Jets before stops with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, ClevelandBrowns, and 49ers. Over the course of his NFL career, he has appeared in 13 games (one start), tallying 13 tackles, one fumble recovery, and 0.5 sacks. He played one game for Cleveland last year after signing with the team’s practice squad in December.
Before entering the league, Dwumfour played in 42 college games between Michigan and Rutgers, posting 61 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception.
To make room for Dwumfour, the 49ers released veteran cornerback Eli Apple. The 6-foot-1 defender had just signed with the team on July 28 but was a long shot to make the final 53-man roster given the club’s depth at corner.
San Francisco is coming off a disappointing close to the 2024-2025 NFL season. The team finished with a 1-5 record in NFC West divisional play—a stark contrast from its dominant 41-26 divisional mark between the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons.
With preseason matchups looming, the team continues to evaluate fringe roster players and build out its defensive line. Dwumfour’s experience across multiple NFL systems may give him a path to contribute early as the niners look to return to their winning identity.