49ers Lock In Sam Okuayinonu with Smart, Low-Cost Deal

The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back a familiar piece up front, re-signing defensive end Sam Okuayinonu to a new one-year deal ahead of the 2026 season.

Rather than letting the restricted free agent play under his original tender, the two sides worked out a revised contract that benefits both the player and the team.

Okuayinonu had initially been given a right of first refusal tender worth $3.52 million with no guaranteed money attached.

Instead, San Francisco pivoted to a more flexible agreement. According to Over the Cap, the new deal is valued at up to $2.3 million, including $1.8 million in guaranteed money, with a cap hit of $2.28 million.