Darnell Dockett: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent DL

Longtime Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett has signed a deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

Continue for updates.  

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Dockett Signs with 49ers

Thursday, March 5

Agent Drew Rosenhaus announced on Twitter that Dockett has signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported the deal was two years and worth a total of $7.5 million.  

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Dockett Reportedly Will Make Decision on Wednesday

Wednesday, March 4

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Dockett plans to make his decision today, and that the Cardinals and 49ers are the front-runners. However, Schefter noted not to rule out the Rams and Seahawks, who are also interested. Later in the day, Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910 in Phoenix provided the latest report:

On March 3, Jurecki reported that Dockett and the Cardinals were only $1 million off in their offers and demands, but says the defensive lineman could allow the team to match any offer he gets. 

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Report: Cardinals Offer Dockett 1-Year Deal

Monday, March 2

Kent Somers of AZCentral.com reports that the Cardinals have offered Dockett an incentive-laced, short-term contract to keep him in the desert:

While Dockett mulls the offer from Arizona, Ed Werder of ESPN reported the three-time Pro Bowler will be visiting with the 49ers Monday night.

Albert Breer of the NFL Network analyzed the financial implications of Dockett's release:

Cardinals general manager Steve Keim didn't mince words when Dockett was cut loose, implying that he wanted to ultimately retain the veteran, per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website:

"We have been very clear about our feelings for Darnell and our desire to have him back. 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 will be 34 years old in May, and Pro Football Focus noted how Dockett has been a liability against the run:

It therefore makes sense that Keim and the Arizona front office want to keep their options open, despite the longstanding history between Dockett and the organization.

On Twitter, Dockett hinted that he's zeroed in on winning Comeback Player of the Year in 2015:

Dockett was out for the entire 2014 campaign with a torn ACL, but he was extremely durable and productive before then. He's been known to rush the passer extremely well, racking up 40.5 sacks in the 10 years prior to this season.

How much of a role Dockett has in Arizona—or elsewhere—will likely depend on how his health checks out, as he's been fortunate to avoid major injuries before last year.

Depth is lacking on Arizona's defensive front with Dan Williams also hitting free agency. That area ought to be a priority in the draft and beforehand, so it couldn't hurt to bring Dockett back as he hopes to prove himself and extend his NFL career.