Veteran defensive tackle Dockett joins 49ers on 2-year deal
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers that will keep him in the NFC West after playing all of his 10 NFL seasons with Arizona.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed the deal Thursday morning for the three-time Pro Bowler. Rosenhaus also posted a photo of him standing with Dockett on Twitter that read, "Congrats to the newest Niner!" with signing papers on the table.
The 33-year-old Dockett sat out all of 2014 with a season-ending knee injury suffered during training camp. He started every game for the Cardinals in 2013, finishing with 46 tackles and 4 ½ sacks. Now, he will play for promoted defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, named 49ers head coach in January.
On Sunday, the animated Dockett posted on Twitter, "Whatever team Im on, we will WIN!!!!....... That's all I know. That's all I think about. 'I love you all.'"
He visited with the 49ers earlier this week, choosing a new start after being released last Friday when negotiations didn't work out on a restructured deal with Arizona because of salary cap concerns.
He was one of Arizona's longest-tenured players with Larry Fitzgerald.
Dockett was taken off the field on a cart in August with the right knee injury that required surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He was hurt during an 11-on-11 drill.
With Justin Smith pondering retirement — or apparently at least still deciding whether to return for a 15th season — Dockett could fill a big need with another veteran presence on the defensive line. The 49ers finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the first time in four years, dealing with injuries to several key defensive stars. San Francisco had reached the three previous NFC championship games and lost in the Super Bowl following the 2012 season.
Former coach Jim Harbaugh departed to coach his alma mater, Michigan, immediately after the season ended.