49ers Bolster Pass Rush with Cam Sample Signing

Veteran defensive end joins 49ers to help address key need on defense.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:00am by

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A cubist-style painting depicting a 49ers pass rush play, with the action broken down into fragmented geometric shapes and planes of red, gold, and black, conveying the dynamic energy and intensity of the defensive effort.The 49ers' revamped defensive front aims to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the upcoming season.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers have made a move to address their pass rush concerns, signing veteran defensive end Cam Sample to a multi-year contract. Sample, who previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals, is expected to provide an immediate boost to the 49ers' defensive front after the team lost key edge rushers Bryce Huff and Robert Beal Jr. in the offseason.

Why it matters

The 49ers' pass rush was a weakness last season, and the team has made it a priority to improve that area of the defense this offseason. The addition of Sample, a proven pass rusher, should help the 49ers generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and improve their overall defensive performance.

The details

Sample, a fourth-round pick by the Bengals in 2021, has shown flashes of potential as a pass rusher in his first few NFL seasons. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits in 2022 for Cincinnati. The 49ers are hoping that a change of scenery and a bigger role in their defense will allow Sample to unlock his full potential and become a consistent disruptive force.

  • The 49ers signed Cam Sample to a multi-year contract on April 5, 2026.
  • Sample previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2021 to 2025.

The players

Cam Sample

A 26-year-old defensive end who was signed by the San Francisco 49ers in 2026 to help bolster their pass rush.

Bryce Huff

A former 49ers edge rusher who announced his retirement in March 2026.

Robert Beal Jr.

A former 49ers edge rusher who signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

Osa Odighizuwa

A defensive tackle acquired by the 49ers in a trade to help solidify their interior defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“Cam is a young, talented edge rusher who we believe can make an immediate impact on our defense. We're excited to add him to our roster and see what he can do in our system.”

— John Lynch, 49ers General Manager

What’s next

The 49ers will look to integrate Cam Sample into their defensive rotation during the upcoming offseason program and training camp, with the goal of having him ready to contribute as a key part of their pass rush in the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The 49ers' signing of Cam Sample is a clear indication that the team is committed to upgrading its pass rush this offseason. With the loss of Huff and Beal, Sample's addition provides a much-needed boost to a critical area of the defense that the 49ers struggled with in 2025.