49ers Sign Cam Sample to Bolster Pass Rush

Former Bengals defensive end joins San Francisco on one-year deal to add depth to defensive line.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:06pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a 49ers pass rush play, with fragmented shapes and planes in the team's colors of red, gold, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the defensive action.The 49ers' revamped defensive line aims to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the upcoming season.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers have signed former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cam Sample to a one-year contract, as they look to shore up their pass rush ahead of the upcoming NFL season. Sample, 26, missed the entire 2024 season with a torn Achilles but is now healthy and looking to prove himself with the 49ers.

Why it matters

The 49ers have lost key contributors to their pass rush this offseason, including Bryce Huff and Robert Beal Jr., so adding a player like Sample provides them with valuable depth and potential upside on the defensive line.

The details

Sample, a former standout at Tulane University, has played in 47 NFL games over his career, recording 5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss. While his production has been limited, the 49ers are hopeful that a change of scenery and a new defensive system could unlock more of Sample's potential. At the very least, he provides the team with a low-cost, low-risk option to compete for a roster spot and contribute as a rotational pass rusher.

  • Sample signed his one-year deal with the 49ers on April 5, 2026.
  • He missed the entire 2024 season with a torn Achilles injury.

The players

Cam Sample

A 26-year-old defensive end who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bryce Huff

A pass rusher who announced his retirement from the NFL earlier this offseason, leaving a void on the 49ers' defensive line.

Robert Beal Jr.

Another pass rusher who signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency, further depleting the 49ers' edge defender depth.

Osa Odighizuwa

A defensive tackle acquired by the 49ers in a trade, who will help solidify the interior of their defensive line.

Nick Bosa

The 49ers' star pass rusher, who will continue to anchor their defensive line.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cam Sample is a player we think has more upside than his production has shown so far. We're excited to get him in our system and see if our coaches can help him unlock that potential.”

— John Lynch, General Manager, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will continue to monitor Sample's progress and health throughout the offseason program and training camp, as they look to determine if he can earn a roster spot and contribute to their pass rush rotation in 2026.

The takeaway

The 49ers are taking a low-risk, high-upside flier on Cam Sample, hoping that a change of scenery and a new defensive coaching staff can help revive his career after an injury-plagued stint with the Bengals. While he may not be the long-term answer to their pass rush woes, he provides valuable depth and competition as the team looks to reload ahead of the upcoming season.