Darnell Dockett is defecting to an NFC West rival.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus announced via Twitter that the former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman joined the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the deal is for two years at $7.5 million with $4 million in Year 1 and $2 million guaranteed, per Rosenhaus.
Dockett is coming off an ACL tear that cost him the entire 2014 season. The 33-year-old has vowed to be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate.
The Cardinalscut the defensive tackle last week after sides couldn't agree on a pay reduction. A reunion in the desert was possible, but the Cards were reportedly offering a max deal of $4 million.
The 49ers were willing to make $2 million guaranteed. The structure makes it easier for Dockett to get his $4 million, which generated the move within the division.
Joining a 49ers pass rush that includes Justin Smith, Aldon Smith and intriguing young players like Aaron Lynch, Dockett should simultaneously be afforded the ability to pace his return from injury while also providing another rotational rusher with upside for an already stout defensive front seven.
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