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49ers free agency news: Glenn Dorsey signs, per Schefter

We take a look at the news that the 49ers have signed their first free agent of the offseason, former Chiefs DT Glenn Dorsey.

Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Just as word got out that 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson had signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 49ers got themselves into the plus column in free agency. Adam Schefter is reporting that the 49ers agreed to terms on a deal with former Chiefs defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey. Ian Rapoport tweeted the two sides were finalizing things, but either way, it looks like the 49ers have a new body for the defensive line.

The 49ers lost Isaac Sopoaga to the Eagles yesterday, and Ricky Jean-Francois is visiting Philadelphia today. With an already thin defensive line at the end of the season, Dorsey will bring some beef. Matt Barrows wrote that Dorsey was miscast in his defensive end role in the Chiefs 3-4 defense.

We spoke with Arrowhead Pride yesterday, and they felt Dorsey was actually a serviceable option at defensive end:

He was solid against the run but didn't provide anything in the pass rush department, which drove Chiefs fans crazy. (Note: this is also when the Chiefs started telling us that 3-4 defensive ends aren't supposed to pressure the passer. Right around the time they drafted Tyson Jackson third overall. I don't sound bitter, do I?)

He seems a bit under-sized to play that nose tackle role. I suppose the team could work with him on that, but I would think he might be more likely to get some work at defensive end. That being said, I'm most excited about getting him in the same room as Jim Tomsula. The 49ers defensive line coach has done great work for the team, and this strikes me as a potentially productive relationship.

It is also worth noting that Dorsey was an unrestricted free agency, so we can subtract him from the 49ers losses thus far for purposes of potential 2014 comp picks.