Versatile veteran Cam Sample joins the 49ers, adding durable "big end" presence and schematic flexibility to bolster the defensive line's bounce-back hopes.
The San Francisco 49ers continue to reshape their defensive front following a historically quiet 2025 season, signing former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cam Sample to a one year deal. The move, first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, adds a versatile veteran presence to a unit looking to bounce back from a league low sack campaign in 2025.
While the 49ers are widely expected to target a high impact edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft in just a few weeks, the addition of Sample provides a low risk insurance policy for the rotation.
The Profile: Versatility and Durability
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 272 pounds, Sample brings the "big end" frame reminiscent of former Niner Arik Armstead. Originally a fourth round pick out of Tulane in 2021, Sample was a key rotational piece during Cincinnati’s deep playoff runs, including their appearance in Super Bowl LVI.
After missing the 2024 season with a torn Achilles, Sample returned to the Bengals in 2025 as a part time contributor. In 14 games last season, he recorded:
- 17 tackles (9 solo)
- 2 sacks and 6 quarterback hits
- 12 pressures (per PFF)
- 1 forced fumble
Perhaps most importantly for San Francisco, Sample has shown a level of durability that was missing from the defensive room last year. Outside of his Achilles injury, he has played at least 14 games in every active season of his career, which is a stark contrast to Yetur Gross-Matos, who managed just 19 games over two seasons in the Bay Area and remains a free agent.
Schematic Fit: Inside-Out Flexibility
Sample’s signing is particularly intriguing due to his experience kicking inside. While he played primarily on the edge last season (172 snaps), he also logged 53 snaps as an interior rusher.
Interestingly, while his body type allows him to play the 3-technique, his efficiency remains highest on the outside. Last season, Sample boasted a 10.3% pressure rate from the edge compared to 7.7% on the interior. This flexibility allows the 49ers to use him in a role similar to Gross-Matos, both as a heavy end who can hold his own against the run but slide inside on obvious passing downs to create mismatches.
The "Big End" Philosophy
At 272 pounds, Sample is significantly stouter than Bryce Huff (254 lbs), who struggled at times in run defense last season. By adding a player with Sample’s anchor, the 49ers can better defend the early downs, allowing their younger interior rushers to rotate and develop alongside newly acquired star Osa Odighizuwa.
The Verdict
This is a classic John Lynch "value play." Sample is a veteran who understands his role, brings Super Bowl experience, and offers the positional flexibility that Kyle Shanahan prizes. While he won't be expected to carry the pass rush, his presence ensures the Niners aren't forced to reach for depth in the later rounds of the draft.
With Cam Sample now in the fold as a veteran rotational piece, do you think this signing makes it more or less likely that the 49ers use their first round pick on a pure speed-rusher?