The San Francisco 49ers made several offseason moves to revamp their defensive line after recording a league-low 20 sacks a year ago. The two biggest were the trade for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and then drafting edge rusher Romello Height.
Another move that fully flew under the radar, though, was the Niners' free-agent pickup of former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cameron Sample, a five-year pro whom Cincy drafted back in Round 4 in 2021 out of Tulane.
A better run defender than a true pass-rusher, the 6-foot-3 and 272-pound Sample joined San Francisco in the second wave of free agency prior to the draft.
And if things go well enough, the defensive end might wind up being a crucial niche backup who may wind up having a surge with his second NFL team.
Particularly if defensive line coach Kris Kocurek has any say about it.
49ers can hope Kris Kocurek gets the most out of Cameron Sample
Cincinnati's reputation for bad defenses in recent years might've led to Sample's own reputation being tarnished, and it's not as if his numbers generate a lot of buzz anyway. To date, and accounting for a missed 2024 campaign because of an Achilles tear, the defender has just seven sacks and eight tackles for a loss over 61 games played.
But Kocurek has the reputation for turning around the careers of castoff defensive linemen. The 49ers can look back at reclamation projects like Arden Key, Clelin Ferrell and others, who enjoyed career turnarounds under the coach's tutelage.
Perhaps Sample is merely the next in line.
There's a suggestion the Niners want this to happen, even if it's just to take full advantage of Sample's above-average run-stopping pedigree—a defensive weakness for San Francisco last year, too.
Sample was signed to only a one-year deal, yet he carries $225,000 in guaranteed money, which doesn't exactly guarantee him a roster spot but does indicate he's more than just an offseason camp body.
Plus, with 2025 first-round rookie defensive end Mykel Williams still working his way back from last year's ACL tear, having a veteran presence to set the edge against the run will be vital.
Should Kocurek beef up Sample's prowess for such a role, it wouldn't be a shock to see the defensive end make a significantly bigger impact than what he was ever able to offer the Bengals, previously.
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