Well, this just got interesting. Pro Football Talk and Mike Garafolo are reporting the San Francisco 49ers are set to release defensive tackle Darnell Dockett. The move is a bit of a surprise given the team guaranteed him $2 million. The team saves $1.75 million in cap space, but this is definitely a surprise to me. He also had a $250,000 roster bonus due Week 1, so I guess they wanted to save what they could.
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Fooch's update: Jason from Over The Cap made a good point about offsets. If Dockett signs anywhere else for the veteran minimum, that will offset the $2 million by $970,000.
Some have speculated Dockett might get cut, so I suppose it will not surprise everybody. This does mean the team is impressed with the depth on the line and wants to go with more young talent. Mike Purcell has impressed this past month, and Arik Armstead looked better than some anticipated.
The decision to release Dockett opens up a spot on the nickel defense. I could see Armstead getting some more opportunities in there. Purcell and Tony Jerod-Eddie are both talented, but if both make the roster, they are a bit better in base than nickel Whatever the case, things are officially getting interesting.
Here is an updated roster list:
QB Colin Kaepernick RB Carlos Hyde FB Bruce Miller WR Anquan Boldin |
TE Vernon Davis OT Joe Staley OG Alex Boone
|
ILB NaVorro Bowman OLB Ahmad Brooks |
CB Tramaine Brock S Eric Reid K Phil Dawson P Bradley Pinion LS Kyle Nelson |