49ers sign Darnell Dockett to shore up uncertain defensive line

After signing a two-year deal with the 49ers, ex-Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett will face his old team at least twice in 2015.

Chris Burke | Mar 5, 2015

49ers sign Darnell Dockett to shore up uncertain defensive line /

The Arizona Cardinals have had Darnell Dockett on their roster for the past 11 seasons. Now, they'll have to face him at least twice in 2015.

On Thursday, Dockett signed a two-year deal with the rival San Francisco 49ers worth a reported $7.5 million, with $2 million guaranteed. That's a significant pay cut from the $6.55 million Dockett was scheduled to make in Arizona prior to his late-February release. Interestingly enough, though, his San Francisco deal is about in line with what the Cardinals offered Dockett to return after being cut, per the Arizona Republic: one year at $2.5 million and a chance to push up to $4 million via bonuses.

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"We have been very clear about our feelings for Darnell and our desire to have him back," Cardinals GM Steve Keim said when announcing Dockett's release. "After speaking with him and his representatives, we decided that this move today makes the most sense for both the team and the player and allows each to keep all of its options open."

Dockett declined the Cardinals' follow-up offer, then moved west. An ACL injury cost him the 2014 season, but if Dockett is fully healthy again, the 49ers could have ample playing time to offer him. Former San Francisco defensive end Ray McDonald was waived in December amid off-field woes, and Dockett may get the first crack at filling that spot in the lineup.

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Standing in his way will be Tony Jerod-Eddie, who filled in for McDonald last season, as well as 2013 second-round pick Tank Carradine, now more than two years removed from his own knee injury.

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A rotation between all three players could be in order. Dockett's arrival also gives San Francisco a bit of a safety net should veteran Justin Smith opt for retirement. The 35-year-old Smith (two years Dockett's senior) has yet to make a decision about his future, though he has been working out at the 49ers' facility, according to recent reports.

Before having to sit out all of '14, Dockett had missed just two games in his first 10 NFL seasons. Along the way, he proved to be one of the league's better pass-rushing 3-4 defensive ends.

Dockett still has to prove that he has a little kick left—he hasn't played since Dec. 29, 2013, and is even further removed from a dominant 2007-10 stretch that earned him three Pro Bowl bids. For the price at which San Francisco acquired him, however, Dockett's worth the risk.

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[daily_cut.nfl]Grade: A-minus.The 49ers have one of the more restrictive cap situations in the league (about $6.5 million under the 2015 cap number prior to the Dockett signing), so it might not be a free-spending off-season in San Francisco. But that's part of why this deal, on paper, seems worthwhile. Assuming Dockett recovers most of his pre-injury form, the $2 million in guaranteed money will be a drop in the bucket.

The 49ers also do not have to ask Dockett to do too much, thanks to the presence of Carradine and others. The ex-Cardinal can fill a valuable role on passing downs, while pitching in elsewhere if need be.

This signing was relatively low-risk, with the potential for a decent reward.

Top 25 NFL Free Agents of 2015

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Detroit (Age 28)

Could be the best defensive free agent to hit market since Reggie White in 1993. A disruptive force rushing the passer and stuffing the run. Must be accounted for on every snap. Has started every game in his career (suspended for two).

Devin McCourty, FS, New England (Age 28)

Settled the Patriots’ troubled secondary when he switched from cornerback to free safety in middle of 2012 season. Fast, smart, unselfish and durable, McCourty is rock-solid in middle of field. Can also cover top TEs when needed.

Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay (Age 25)

Dynamic offensive talent who can make plays lined up at any spot, and on special teams. Durability is knock (he missed 10 games with a broken leg in 2010), but he’s played at least 15 games in three of his four seasons.

Julius Thomas, TE, Denver (Age 27)

When he’s on the field and healthy, Thomas is among the toughest matchups at the position, especially in the red zone (24 TDs in 27 games over the past two seasons). But he hasn’t yet proven to be durable, and that’s a concern.

Byron Maxwell, CB, Seattle (Age 27)

Has been to two Super Bowls starting opposite Richard Sherman, so Maxwell sees a lot of action and produced 24 passes defensed and six interceptions over the past two seasons. A long and physical player at 6-1, 207 pounds, he’ll fit some schemes but not all.

Jerry Hughes, DE, Buffalo (Age 27)

Busted out of Indianapolis after producing just five sacks in three seasons as a first-round pick, but revived career with 10 sacks in two seasons with Bills (one year as a full-time starter). Some will point to his great surrounding cast and doubt his potential.

Jason Worilds, OLB, Pittsburgh (Age 27)

Produced 15.5 sacks the past two seasons, but his athletic talent shows he is capable of more. Frustrating that he hasn’t been more dominating, but some teams out there will think they can unlock his potential greatness.

Pernell McPhee, OLB, Baltimore (Age 26)

Had to sit behind Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil for two years in Baltimore but has shown flashes of productivity and positional versatility. Low mileage and still young.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia (Age 27)

Came back from knee surgery to put up career highs for catches (85), yards (1,318) and touchdowns (10). Some teams will point to Eagles’ system and wonder if Maclin deserves to be paid as a No. 1 receiver.

Mike Iupati, G, San Francisco (Age 28)

Mammoth (6-5, 331 pounds) and powerful left guard who has gone to three straight Pro Bowls. Can dominate in the running game, but his occasional woes in pass protection have kept him from being the annual All-Pro most envisioned. Has dealt with variety of injuries.

Bryan Bulaga, RT, Green Bay (Age 26)

Can be a dominating tackle in both run and pass game. Some teams thought he had left tackle potential in the 2010 draft. Finished two seasons on injured reserve, and dealt with knee injury and a concussion last season.

Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit (Age 27)

Powerful and talented interior force who can rush passer and stop the run when he wants to—or is on the field (has missed 16 games in his four seasons). No question about potential. Can someone unlock it?

Brandon Flowers, CB, San Diego (Age 29)

Teams always look for top-tier cornerbacks, and Flowers showed he can be that after a strong season with Chargers on one-year deal. Some might be scared off because he was released by Chiefs, and he’s small at 5-10, but Flowers can play.

Derrick Morgan, OLB, Tennessee (Age 26)

Deftly made switch to 3-4 OLB and showed versatility, so he’ll appeal to 3-4 and 4-3 teams. Consistent, with at least six sacks in each of past three seasons.

DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas (Age 27)

Reigning rushing champion with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, to go with the 1,121 and nine he put up in 2013. Hard runner with good vision, and very good receiver out of the backfield. Injury woes dominated first two seasons, and he can put the ball on the ground.

Greg Hardy, DE, Carolina (Age 27)

Ferocious pass rusher who had 26 sacks over ’12 and ’13 seasons. Plays the run just as well. After high-profile domestic violence case, teams will tread carefully and likely won’t guarantee much of his contract.

Brian Orakpo, OLB, Washington (Age 29)

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Hasn’t finished two of the past three seasons, but is among most consistent and productive pass rushers in league when healthy.

Rodney Hudson, C, Kansas City (Age 26)

Not yet elite, but on his way. Rock-solid run- and pass-blocking. Not a well-known name, but Chiefs’ rivals know his value and may come knocking, along with many others.

Brandon Graham, OLB, Philadelphia (Age 27)

Among leaders in pass-rushing productivity the past three seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. Few players make more of their snaps than Graham. Has 4-3 and 3-4 appeal, which should open up his market.

Jared Odrick, DT, Miami (Age 27)

Constantly a disruptive force as both a 3-4 DE and 4-3 DT at 6-5 and 304 pounds. Can get after the passer and stand up blockers against the run. Much more impactful than his sack numbers (just one in ’14) would indicate.

Buster Skrine, CB, Cleveland (Age 26)

An aggressive cornerback who can be boom or bust, Skrine isn’t afraid of competition (he held off first-round pick Justin Gilbert last season). Performed well in a defense that puts pressure on its cornerbacks. Better player than people think.

Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore (Age 26)

One of better deep threats in league, but has some limits as a short and intermediate receiver, and can drop some easy passes. Will appeal to vertical teams.

Kareem Jackson, CB, Houston (Age 27)

A first-round pick in 2010, Jackson got off to a very slow start, but he’s rebounded to become a good outside cornerback with a nose for the ball. A little small, so won’t fit all schemes.

Davon House, CB, Green Bay (Age 26)

A very talented player with good size (6-1, 195 pounds), House has produced when healthy, but he’s missed 10 games over past three seasons with unlucky injuries. Somebody is going to see the potential and take the leap.

Charles Clay, TE, Miami (Age 26)

A multi-dimensional athlete who can line up anywhere from fullback to receiver and cause problems for a defense. Averaged 63.5 catches the past two seasons. An emerging talent.

Published Mar 5, 2015

CHRIS BURKE

Chris Burke covers the NFL for Sports Illustrated and is SI.com’s lead NFL draft expert. He joined SI in 2011 and lives in Ann Arbor, Mich.