The San Francisco 49ers are fully aware their defensive line will likely be shorthanded to start the season, particularly in light of two key players making their way back from ACL tears suffered last season, defensive ends Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams.
Bosa's injury was early enough in 2025 to suggest he'll be ready to go by Week 1, yet Williams' tear occurred in November, meaning there's an awfully good chance he could miss substantial time when 2026 rolls around.
The Niners didn't exactly have anyone rostered who could plug the gap left by the 2025 first-round draftee.
Until now.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, San Francisco is inking former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cameron Sample to a one-year deal:
Former Bengals DE Cam Sample agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers, per source. pic.twitter.com/f3nwZ8oq1H
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 9, 2026
Sample, who broke into the league as a Round 4 pick back in 2021, has never been a true starter and also suffered a torn Achilles that kept him out from his 2024 campaign. But, last season, he managed two sacks and six quarterback hits over 14 games played, indicating he's fully recovered from that setback.
But the 6-foot-3 defender isn't exactly known for his pass-rushing prowess. Rather, Sample is much more adept at defending against the run; the 49ers struggled against it once Williams went down with his injury last year.
The Niners still need another edge rusher, especially after Bryce Huff's sudden retirement earlier this offseason.
At least they get a good run defender in Sample, though.
Unfortunately, the transaction is a pretty good indication that Williams either won't be ready to go when the regular season kicks off, or at the very best, San Francisco wants additional insurance to ensure its top draft asset from 2025 isn't rushed along back onto the field prematurely.
Either way, the depth option is something the 49ers clearly felt the need, even though it won't address much in the greater D-line picture.