The Cincinnati Bengals' defensive line depth took a notable hit this offseason as rotational defensive end Cam Sample signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The signing was finalized in early April 2026, marking the end of Sample's four-year tenure in Cincinnati and opening a key vacancy on the Bengals' defensive front.
Sample, a fourth-round pick out of Tulane, carved out a valuable role with Cincinnati as a reliable and versatile rotational defensive end. While never posting eye-catching sack totals, Sample excelled as a steady contributor, particularly against the run. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing approximately 270 pounds, he was a disciplined edge-setter who often forced running backs to redirect into the pursuing linebackers, a critical skill for a team competing in the rugged AFC North.
In the 2025 season, Sample recorded 3.0 sacks, primarily generated through effort and situational pass-rush techniques rather than flash plays. He operated cohesively with starters Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, contributing to a defensive line scheme orchestrated by defensive coordinator Al Golden that prioritized gap discipline and pressure from multiple fronts. Sample's steady football IQ made him a trusted communicator on the defensive front, executing complex line games and stunts.
One of Sample's most valuable traits was his ability to shift inside as a defensive tackle during passing situations, giving Cincinnati's defense greater schematic flexibility. This "big end" role allowed the Bengals to field their most athletic pass-rush packages without compromising interior size, a critical factor in late downs and sub-packages.
Sample's departure leaves the Bengals without the dependable third defensive end who played a significant role in holding the defensive line rotation stable. While Hendrickson and Hubbard remain among the league's top interior pass-rushers, the grind of a 17-game season requires quality depth behind them. Sample's presence enabled both starters to stay fresh and mitigated drop-offs in run defense and pass-rush effectiveness when injuries or fatigue set in.
The Bengals' roster contains several potential internal replacements for Sample's role, but challenges remain. Joseph Ossai, a former third-round pick, offers explosive athleticism, but his multiple injury issues have limited his consistent availability and development. Myles Murphy, now entering his third NFL season, flashed promise late in his rookie year, though it remains to be seen if he can immediately absorb all the responsibilities left by Sample, particularly in run defense nuances.
General Manager Duke Tobin and the Bengals' front office now face a critical decision on how to address this defensive end depth loss. The team can continue to develop internal options like Ossai and Murphy while supplementing them through the 2026 draft and remaining free agent market. Depth along the defensive line has been a key part of Cincinnati's competitive identity, and replacing Sample's steady reliability will be crucial for sustaining defensive success.
For Cam Sample, joining the 49ers offers a fresh opportunity with a team known for its aggressive front-seven defense. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive staff led by coordinator Raheem Morris have prioritized versatile, intelligent defensive linemen. Sample joins a rotation featuring stars Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave, where his edge-setting and interior pass-rush skills are expected to complement the unit's depth and scheme diversity.
From the Bengals' perspective, losing Sample highlights the challenge of maintaining depth in a physically demanding position group. Despite modest stat lines, players like Sample serve as foundational contributors who enable elite starters to perform at a high level throughout a grueling NFL season. As Cincinnati moves into offseason workouts and training camp, identifying and preparing a successor to Sample's role will be a quiet but vital focus with significant implications for the defense's 2026 performance.
While losing a rotational defensive end may not generate widespread fanfare, the move underscores the often underappreciated importance of depth players. Such roster decisions often make the difference between a team faltering when injuries strike and one that sustains consistent competitiveness. The Bengals' ability to replicate the contributions of a dependable role player like Sample will test their roster-building philosophy as they strive to remain atop the AFC North and contend for postseason success.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Bengals fill the void left by Sample and whether young players like Ossai and Murphy can take the next step, continuing Cincinnati's tradition of building a tough, deep defensive line. Meanwhile, Sample looks to bring his dependable, versatile skill set to a new stage in San Francisco, hoping to enhance a 49ers defense aiming for another Super Bowl run.