Sample’s roster spot is almost certainly safe in 2025. However, with a new defensive coordinator and a renewed vision for the versatile lineman, he’ll need to prove he’s in the team’s long-term plans.
A Bengals Offseason Tradition
We have a bit of an annual tradition that kicks off around this time of year. Once the first waves of free agency and the NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror, we turn our attention to identifying which Cincinnati Bengals players might be poised to take that all-important next step in their careers.
Spotlight Series: “Potential Bengals Breakout Players”
Here at Cincy Jungle and on our associated podcasts, we launch a recurring series each offseason titled “Potential Bengals Breakout Players.” It’s our way of forecasting which players could step into larger roles, show significant growth from the previous season, or otherwise emerge as key contributors in the upcoming year.
This isn’t just guesswork. It’s based on their likely increased responsibilities, glimpses of talent, and how they’ve been developing behind the scenes.
Introducing: “Make-or-Break Year”
Building off that tradition, we’re rolling out a new companion series: “Make-or-Break Year.” This series spotlights Bengals players who are entering pivotal stretches in their careers—those who need to prove themselves now or risk fading from the team’s long-term plans.
These are players at a crossroads. Whether it’s due to inconsistent performance, off-field concerns, or simply needing to show growth, the next few months could be career-defining.
Cam Sample
With some of his early press conferences, new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden seems to have a specific and important vision for Cam Sample in his defense. Much like what we saw from Frostee Rucker and Wallace Gilberry during their respective Bengals careers, Sample is a player who can line up outside and kick inside on certain passing downs.
In the first few years of his career, Sample has shown a knack for disrupting from the interior in some packages, and Golden appears keen on exploiting that strength in 2025. With Sam Hubbard’s retirement, there is now a window for some of the younger edge players to carve out roles early.
However, with Shemar Stewart selected in the first round and the also-versatile Myles Murphy being a first-round pick a couple of years ago, Sample will have to compete for playing time. He was recently cleared to practice after a season-ending Achilles injury last year and is currently on a one-year, prove-it deal that will likely determine his long-term future with the team.
Background
Sample was a fourth-round pick in 2021, and then-coordinator Lou Anarumo had plans to use him as a movable piece upfront. While that vision was implemented, Sample’s stats haven’t exactly jumped off the page.
At Tulane, Sample had 10.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss in his NCAA career. He also had 162 total tackles, noting his physical presence up front.
He has logged just five sacks (having missed all of 2024) across three seasons, along with 68 total tackles. Still, some believe his absence was felt last year—particularly in conference and divisional games, where Cincinnati’s defense gave up an immense number of points.
Even though he missed all of 2024, Sample may have been grouped with the younger defensive line crew that saw limited action under Anarumo. This was one of the major criticisms of the veteran defensive coordinator in recent years. Golden aims to change that by re-signing Sample and Joseph Ossai, expanding roles for Murphy and Cedric Johnson, and integrating Stewart (once he signs his rookie deal).
What Sample Needs to Prove in 2025
When Golden specifically mentioned Sample as a utility player in his early press conferences and during draft weekend, it suggested that Sample’s roster spot is likely secure. The “make-or-break” designation is less about his place in 2025 and more about his long-term standing with the team.
If Sample can prove to be a versatile defender who can generate pressure from multiple spots along the line, he’ll become someone the Bengals want to re-sign long-term. In a league where Cincinnati regularly faces elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert, having as many capable pass-rushers as possible is a must.
Additionally, Sample is known for setting the edge against the run and bringing solid overall strength—traits that align well with the Bengals’ long-standing preferences for defensive linemen, regardless of the coaching era.
Cincinnati needs to identify capable pass-rushers across the defensive front—especially those who can support Trey Hendrickson. If the situation with their star edge rusher continues to evolve or deteriorate, they’ll also need someone who can help relieve pressure on the right side.
Sample appears to be part of the plan for 2025, but what about beyond that? He’ll need to show his versatility and produce more consistent stats if he wants to earn his next deal with the team.
