{
  "id": 503629,
  "title": "Falcons sign former Bengals defensive end Cameron Sample to add depth after losing Jalon Walker",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/falcons-sign-former-bengals-defensive-end-cameron-sample-to-add-depth",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T20:33:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/08/10/falcons-sign-former-bengals-defensive-end-cameron-sample-to-add-depth-after-losing-jalon-walker"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons reinforced their defensive line on Monday by signing former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cameron Sample. This move came just a week after the team lost Jalon Walker, another key edge rusher, to a season-ending knee injury.\n\nSample, who is 26 years old, hails from Snellville, Ga., near Atlanta. The fourth-round pick by Cincinnati in 2021 signed a one-year deal with San Francisco on April 13 before being released last week. Over four seasons with the Bengals, Sample amassed 85 tackles and seven sacks. However, he missed the 2024 season due to an Achilles tendon injury. In the latter part of the 2023 season, Sample returned to action, starting two games and recording 17 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.\n\nThe signing of Sample adds depth to the Falcons' defensive line at the edge rusher position, leaving the team with uncertainty regarding the potential NFL discipline that could be imposed on fellow first-round pick James Pearce Jr. Pearce, the team's sacks leader as a rookie, is currently dealing with felony charges related to a domestic dispute. As of now, there has been no update from the NFL regarding any possible disciplinary action, including a suspension, against Pearce. Pearce had 10.5 sacks last season and led the Falcons with 45 quarterback pressures, setting a rookie record. Coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in Pearce, noting his dedication in training camp and the team's continued reliance on him.\n\nAdditionally, the Falcons activated right tackle Jawaan Taylor from the physically unable to perform list, as he had been recovering from elbow and triceps injuries that disrupted his 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Jack Nelson was waived/injured, and defensive tackle Zach Harrison, who concluded the 2025 season on injured reserve due to a knee injury, joined the team after being cleared late last week.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}