49ers Shore Up Defensive Line with Signing of Cam Sample

The San Francisco 49ers made a move to reinforce their defensive line on Monday, finalizing a one-year deal with Cam Sample, a versatile defender who arrives from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sample, 27, entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick in 2021 and spent his first four seasons with the Bengals, appearing in 61 games with five starts. Over his career in Cincinnati, he accumulated 85 tackles and seven sacks, demonstrating the ability to pressure quarterbacks from multiple alignments.

The 2024 season was a lost year for Sample, who missed the entire campaign after suffering an Achilles tendon injury. He returned to action in 2025, suiting up for 14 games and recording 17 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble — an encouraging recovery showing as he worked his way back onto the field.

What makes Sample particularly valuable to the 49ers right now is his positional flexibility. He has shown the capacity to rush the passer from both inside and outside gaps, giving San Francisco's coaching staff multiple looks to work with. The Niners are currently managing a crowded injury list along the defensive front, with Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Keion White all recovering from surgical procedures. All three are expected to be ready for training camp, but the team clearly wanted insurance in place.

Head coach in Santa Clara will have additional options to evaluate along the line with Sample in the mix. The signing addresses a pressing need for depth as the offseason program continues, and Sample's ability to contribute in multiple roles could prove valuable as the season approaches.

The 49ers open their 2026 campaign in September, with the NFC West figures to once again be one of the most competitive divisions in football.