The move comes after a disappointing 2025 season in which the 49ers' defense recorded just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL. San Francisco is expected to continue addressing its pass rush during the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bengals selected Sample (6-3, 272) in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Tulane. He spent his first four NFL seasons in Cincinnati, carving out a role as a rotational defensive lineman during the team's run to Super Bowl LVI and the AFC Championship Game the following year.
After missing the entire 2024 season due to a torn Achilles tendon, Sample returned to the Bengals on a one-year deal in 2025.
He appeared in 14 games (two starts) last season, recording 17 tackles (nine solo), two sacks, six quarterback hits, and one forced fumble, per Pro Football Reference.
Over four active NFL seasons, Sample has played in 61 games with five starts, totaling 85 tackles, seven sacks, one pass defensed, and one forced fumble. He has also registered 26 quarterback hits and eight tackles for loss during his time in Cincinnati.
The addition gives the 49ers another experienced option along the defensive line as they look to bolster their pass rush heading into the 2026 season.
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