Story by
Cam Sample, former Bengals defensive end, signs with Falcons
- Story by
- Cam Sample, former Bengals defensive end, signs with Falcons
Cam Sample, a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals for the past five seasons, signed with the Atlanta Falcons , the team announced Aug. 10 .
In April, Sample agreed to a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers . The Niners waived Sample on Aug. 5.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sample, 26, was among 2025 Bengals to become unrestricted free agents at the conclusion of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks (25) runs the ball during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers (81) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony (33) knocks the ball away from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers (81) during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor (26) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Gary Brightwell (32) runs on the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) drops a pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Newton (28) during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle (27) makes contact with Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (80) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (80), Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers (81) and Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) stands on the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy (99) practices during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) looks on during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Kentrel Bullock (31) runs with the ball during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) hits a pad while performing a tackling drill during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Oren Burks (42) hits a sled during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Liam Anderson (45) hits a sled during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) and Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. (90) practice during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor stands on the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengal assistant head coach Darrin Simmons walks the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback D.J. Ivey (38) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor stands with players during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walks the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Colbie Young (86) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Xavier Johnson (18) runs down the field as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback D.J. Ivey (38) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jordan Moore (14) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ceyair J Wright (22) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback D.J. Ivey (38) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Kendric Pryor (19) drops as pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ceyair J Wright (22) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Daxton Hill (23) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
1
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks (25) runs the ball during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
1
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks (25) runs the ball during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
2
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers (81) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
3
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
4
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony (33) knocks the ball away from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers (81) during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
5
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
6
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor (26) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
7
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals running back Gary Brightwell (32) runs on the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
8
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) drops a pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Newton (28) during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
9
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle (27) makes contact with Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
10
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
11
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (80) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
12
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (80), Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers (81) and Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
13
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) stands on the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
14
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
15
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
16
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
17
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
18
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy (99) practices during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
19
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) looks on during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
20
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals running back Kentrel Bullock (31) runs with the ball during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
21
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) hits a pad while performing a tackling drill during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
22
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Oren Burks (42) hits a sled during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
23
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Liam Anderson (45) hits a sled during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
24
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) and Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. (90) practice during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
25
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor stands on the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
26
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengal assistant head coach Darrin Simmons walks the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
27
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback D.J. Ivey (38) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
28
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
29
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor stands with players during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
30
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
31
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
32
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walks the field during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
33
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Colbie Young (86) catches a pass during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
34
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Xavier Johnson (18) runs down the field as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback D.J. Ivey (38) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
35
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jordan Moore (14) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ceyair J Wright (22) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
36
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback D.J. Ivey (38) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
37
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Kendric Pryor (19) drops as pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ceyair J Wright (22) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
38
/38
Photos: Cincinnati Bengals practice, 8/6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Daxton Hill (23) defends during Bengals practice at the Kettering Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
In 2025, Sample played in 14 games for Cincinnati, bouncing back from a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him the entire 2024 season.
A fourth-round pick of the Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sample played in 61 regular-season games for Cincinnati, making five starts. He also played in six postseason games for the Bengals.
In March 2025, the Bengals re-signed Sample to a one-year deal.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cam Sample (96) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) exchange words after a play in the first quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. The Steelers led 10-6 at halftime.
The Bengals and Falcons are scheduled to meet in Spain in Week 9 of the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cam Sample, former Bengals defensive end, signs with Falcons
