Former Indiana University standout Kaelon Black is set to embark on his professional career after agreeing to a four‑year agreement with the San Francisco 49ers.
A Deal That Signals Confidence
The contract, worth $6,829,276 in total, includes a $1,426,744 signing bonus and an average annual salary of $1,707,319, with $1,426,744 of the money guaranteed.
In 2026, Black will count $885,000 against the cap as a base salary while the previously announced signing bonus of $1,426,744 will also be disbursed that year.
The 49ers selected Black with the 90th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft, making him the third running back taken in that year's draft.
He will don the No. 26 jersey, a number steeped in recent 49ers history after Tevin Coleman wore it before moving on.
Though he was not invited to the NFL Combine, Black’s film and character impressed general manager John Lynch, who praised the player’s work ethic after the selection.
At Indiana, Black finished the 2025 season as the Hoosiers’ second‑leading rusher, posting 1,040 yards on 186 carries and reaching the end zone ten times.
Now he will compete for the No. 2 back role behind star running back Christian McCaffrey, a position that could shape his early impact in the league.