Golden Nuggets: 49ers surprisingly active in free agency

Good morning everyone. Today is one of those weird days where the last 49er news of the day might come up after I have written the nuggets and fallen asleep. The 49ers are apparently in hot pursuit of Darnell docket, and the signing could be complete by tomorrow. As of this writing, nothing has happened but it is possible these links will already be out of date by publishing time. Gotta love the 24 hour news cycle!

Its not just Docket either, the 49ers are rumored to be a potential suitor for the recently released Trent Cole. Add on the recent signing of Jarred Hayne, and the sudden availability of Michael Wilhoite as a trade chip, and there is surprisingly a lot going on right now. Sure none of these guys are expensive or game changers, and I don't think its possible for the 49ers to go after any of the really rich free agents. But still, it's refreshing and more than a little surprising (at least to me) that the 49ers are as active as they are.

As for Docket, I honestly don't know what to make of the potential signing because I don't know what to make of Docket himself. He has certainly been an amazing player over the course of his career. But something tells me if he was still a difference maker, he wouldn't be available in free agency.

When I write, I try very hard to not be one of those guys that supports every football opinion I have with my subscription to pro football focus, but this is hard to ignore. His fit in our defense definitely concerns me. Sure, he could be used solely as a situational pass rusher, but if that's all he is, the pay better not be much. I think it is clear he was much more effective as an interior pass rusher rather than a 3-4 end. It could be that his dip in production corresponded with his increased age, but common sense and my own observations tell me it is simply harder for interior rushers to get to the QB from the edge. It says a ton about a guy like JJ Watt. To the links!

10 free agents who seem like they could be Baalke guys (BASG)

On the Dockett: Decision day -- 49ers or Cardinals? (Maiocco)

Some clarification on the Harbaugh/museum story (BASG)

49ers are shopping Michael Wilhoite (Gin)

Sources: 49ers trying to trade linebacker Michael Wilhoite (Barrows)

Which free agent needs to be re-signed? (ESPN)

Bad weather postpones WR's trip to meet with 49ers (Maiocco)

Are 49ers trying to get rid of Jim Harbaugh reminders? (Mercury News)

Tom Rathman has a new project in Australian Jarryd Hayne (Lynch)