The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly signing outside linebacker Khalid Kareem, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports.
The 49ers are currently in Melbourne, Australia, preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kareem is reportedly on his way to join the team.
San Francisco ruled out defensive end Sam Okuayinonu for Week 1 due to a foot injury.
49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is already familiar with Kareem from their time together with the Atlanta Falcons, where Morris served as head coach.
The 49ers are signing OLB Khalid Kareem off the Falcons' practice squad. He's on his way to Melbourne ahead of their opener against the Rams. He's 28, former Bengals draft pick who spent the last two years with Atlanta.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 4, 2026
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Kareem (6-4, 268) out of Notre Dame in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the No. 147 overall pick. He spent his first two NFL seasons in Cincinnati before joining the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. Kareem then played for the Chicago Bears in 2023 before spending the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Falcons.
Kareem appeared in four games for Atlanta during the 2025 season, recording seven total tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass defensed.
Over five NFL seasons, Kareem has appeared in 34 games with one start. He has totaled 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one sack. That lone sack came during his rookie 2020 campaign.
The 49ers are adding Kareem as they prepare for their season opener against the Rams, giving Morris another familiar defensive player to work with in San Francisco.
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