San Francisco 49ers retain rising defensive piece in cap-friendly $2.28M deal
San Francisco 49ers lock in a defensive lineman on a cap-friendly deal, hinting at a larger role in a reshaped 2026 rotation.
San Francisco 49ers retain rising defensive piece in cap-friendly $2. 28M deal originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The San Francisco 49ers have continued shaping their roster after an injury-plagued 2025 season that still ended with a divisional-round appearance. With an eye on building stability for 2026 , the team has brought back defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu on a one-year contract worth $2. 28 million, securing depth at a key position without stretching the salary cap.
Originally tendered at $3. 5 million as a restricted free agent, Okuayinonu instead agreed to a reworked deal that lowers his cap hit while providing financial security. The contract includes a $1.
6 million base salary, a $500,000 signing bonus, and $195,000 in additional bonuses, with $1. 3 million fully guaranteed. The adjustment reflects a calculated move by San Francisco to maintain flexibility while keeping a developing contributor in-house.