Defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko Jr., a Bay Area product from St. Francis High (Mountain View) and San Jose State, signed with the 49ers on Monday, a day after trying out with two others.
Tight end Josiah Deguara was released in a corresponding move.
Fehoko (6-foot-4, 267 pounds) was a 2023 fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys and he is yet to play in an NFL regular-season game after stints with the Cowboys (2023), the Washington Commanders (2025) and the Indianapolis Colts (2025-26). He had the second-most tackles for loss (46) in San Jose State history over his five seasons, and he racked up 23 sacks in 48 games.
As a three-year starter for the Spartans, he was a three-time All-Mountain West performer, each time being named to the first team. His first visit to the all-conference list was in 2020, when San Jose State won the Mountain West with an undefeated regular season, which was shortened due to COVID.
Two years later, as a senior, Fehoko was the conference’s defensive player of the year. Fehoko is the second cousin of another former star lineman from the Bay Area: Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who played at Milpitas High before going to Washington and ascending to become a Pro Bowl player.