The San Francisco 49ers have been making moves across the board in an effort to build off of their surprising 2025 campaign. Despite dealing with a slew of injuries, the Niners advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs, so assuming they can stay healthy in 2026, big things could be in store for them.
Along the way, a handful of players showed that they can be key contributors for San Fran moving forward. One such guy was defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu, who the team managed to re-sign in free agency earlier this offseason. With the deal in the books, the full details of Okuayinonu’s new contract have been revealed.
49ers Re-Sign Sam Okuayinonu to 1-Year, $2.28 Million Contract
Okuayinonu did not get selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he found his way to the Tennessee Titans, which is where he spent his rookie campaign. After just one year, though, the Titans opted to move on from him, with the 49ers quickly scooping him up and stashing him on their practice squad for the 2023 campaign.
Over the past two years, Okuayinonu has played in 31 games for San Fran, and in 2025, he wound up earning 12 starts, thanks in large part to injuries decimating the team’s defensive line. Okuayinonu showed himself well, though, as he picked up 39 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble during his time on the field.
With restricted free agency looming for Okuayinonu, the 49ers placed the $3.5 million right-of-first-refusal tender on him. The two sides managed to agree to a new contract, but it turns out San Fran actually negotiated a lower cap hit for the 2026 season, as they guaranteed $1.3 million of Okuayinonu’s one-year, $2.28 million contract.
“49ers placed a $3.5 million tender on RFA Sam Okuayinonu but were able to negotiate and retain the DL at a significantly lower price — $2.28m cap hit — by offering a chunk of guaranteed money. $1.6m base salary, $500k signing bonus, $195k other bonuses. $1.3m of that fully GTD.” David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard reported in a post on X.
Sam Okuayinonu Set to Retain Big Role for 49ers in 2026
In a perfect world, Okuayinonu probably wouldn’t have played as much as he did last season, but when the 49ers needed someone to step up, he delivered the goods. Not only can Okuayinonu get after opposing quarterbacks, but he can also hold his own in the run game, making him a versatile player who can wear several different hats.
Even with San Fran’s d-line set to be healthier in 2026, Okuayinonu likely earned a bigger role on their defense. He may not start 12 games like he did last year, but he can be a rotational defensive lineman who can sub in as both a pass rusher and run defender. And considering how the Niners saved some money against the salary cap, that only makes this deal better. Okuayinonu isn’t the flashiest player, but look for him to make an impact again next season.
