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49ers Sign Edge Rusher Cam Sample Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
The move adds versatility to San Francisco's defensive front as they prepare for the upcoming draft.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:23am by Ben Kaplan
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A cubist interpretation of an edge rusher's relentless pursuit of the quarterback, reflecting the strategic depth and versatility the 49ers are seeking in their roster.San Francisco TodayThe San Francisco 49ers have signed former Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Cam Sample to a one-year deal, just two weeks before the highly anticipated 2026 NFL Draft. Sample, a fourth-round pick in 2021, has shown promise with seven sacks in his career so far, but his journey has been marred by a significant Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
Why it matters
This signing is a strategic depth addition for the 49ers, as they look to address a position of need with a low-risk, high-upside player. Sample's ability to play multiple roles, especially as an interior rusher, could provide valuable versatility to San Francisco's defensive front. The move also highlights the broader trend in the NFL towards seeking players with positional flexibility.
The details
The 49ers are essentially replacing the recently departed Yetur Gross-Matos, a talented but injury-prone player, with Sample, who has proven durability despite his own injury history. This signing could impact the 49ers' draft strategy, as they may now have the flexibility to explore other positions of need rather than solely targeting an edge rusher.
- The 49ers signed Cam Sample to a one-year deal on April 10, 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in two weeks, on April 24-26, 2026.
The players
Cam Sample
A former fourth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, Cam Sample has shown promise as an edge rusher, recording seven sacks in his career so far. However, his journey has been marred by a significant Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
Yetur Gross-Matos
A talented but injury-prone edge rusher who recently departed the 49ers, Gross-Matos is the player Cam Sample is essentially replacing on the San Francisco roster.
What’s next
The 49ers' signing of Cam Sample will be closely watched in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft, as it could impact their draft strategy and the positions they choose to target.
The takeaway
This signing highlights the 49ers' strategic approach to roster building, as they look to add versatile players who can fill multiple roles on the defensive front. While Sample may not have the same statistical profile as some other edge rushers, his ability to play inside could make him a valuable asset for San Francisco.
