San Francisco 49ers sign DE Cam Sample

Cam Sample's one-year, $1.39M signing earns a **C- Contract Value Index (CVI)**, reflecting marginal value on a prove-it deal that offers modest upside but minimal margin for error. At the defensive end position, Sample occupies a depth role rather than a franchise cornerstone slot—the sub-$1.4M AAV pegs this as a low-cost flyer typical of mid-roster reinforcement in the preseason window. The one-year structure provides San Francisco flexibility without long-term commitment, which is prudent for a rotational depth piece, though it also signals limited confidence in immediate high-impact production. For Sample to justify even this modest investment, he'll need to contribute consistently as a backup edge rusher or situational pass-rush specialist; otherwise, this becomes dead cap with no salvage value. The CVI dip from B- to C over the last 30 days suggests the market and analytical consensus view this signing as below-market caliber—a necessary but uninspiring roster plug rather than a strategic steal heading into the regular season.