Matt Barrows initially reported and Matt Maiocco has subsequently confirmed that the 49ers are attempting to sign former Cardinals and Steelers outside linebacker Clark Haggans. The Cardinals released the 12-year veteran on Friday and he is expected to sign with the 49ers today, pending a physical. According to Maiocco, there is also a chance Haggans could face league discipline for a 2011 DUI. He did some jail time this past June for that DUI.
The 49ers made their final roster cuts on Friday and went with three outside linebackers on the 53-man roster. The team went with three outside linebackers last season and managed to stay healthy the entire season. Parys Haralson has missed practice time over the last week, so the team needs insurance for him. Additionally, this preseason has seen both Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks go down with injuries at one point or another. While not long-term injuries, Aldon Smith's likely would have cost him at least one start in the regular season, leaving the team further shorthanded.
The 49ers will need to release a player to make room for Haggans. Garrett Celek would seem to be the odd-man out at this point given Dobbs' return to health. The team has shown a willingness to mix in just about anybody with size for their jumbo packages, so Celek might be considered a luxury at this point.
According to Matt Maiocco, the 49ers attempted to place a claim on Jamaal Westerman, but were denied when the Cardinals placed a claim with a higher priority. The Cardinals had re-signed Haggans earlier this offseason and Mike Sando had a few thoughts. Haggans reportedly played 75% of the defensive snaps in Arizona last year. Of course, Arizona's defense was pretty bad, so that doesn't tell us a whole lot. For now it would seem like he is primarily veteran insurance for this linebacking corps.