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49ers release DT Darnell Dockett

By Matt Verderame

Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett (90) looks on during the second half against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett (90) looks on during the second half against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers have released defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN. The 49ers also released guard Joe Looney, inside linebacker Philip Wheeler and safety Craig Dahl. However, the attention-grabber is Dockett, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason following a torn ACL during the 2014 preseason.

Dockett, 34, signed a two-year deal for $7.25 million with the 49ers during free agency and was expected to replace veteran Justin Smith, who retired this spring. Instead, Dockett could not crack the 53-man roster and is now leaving a $2.5 million cap hit on San Francisco’s books.

Despite missing all of last season with the aforementioned torn ACL, Dockett has been extremely durable and productive. Dockett only missed two games throughout his entire 10-year career prior to 2014, all while racking up 40.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. Dockett is a three-time Pro Bowler and a one-time All-Pro, having been one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the game over the past decade.

It will be interesting to see if a team picks up Dockett. The Denver Broncos would be one candidate since they have switched to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Also, Denver’s best 3-4 end, Derek Wolfe, has been suspended for the first four games of the season.

Another option could be the New York Jets, where Dockett’s former defensive coordinator and current head coach Todd Bowles is. Dockett would be able to help fill in for New York while Sheldon Richardson serves his four-game suspension and Leonard Williams recovers from his injury.

Finally, another thought would be the San Diego Chargers. San Diego is desperately looking for help in the front seven and could use a nice bookend piece to Corey Liuget. The Chargers have high hopes for competing in the tough AFC West, and Dockett could help either in a starting or rotational capacity.

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