The San Francisco 49ers agreed to terms with free agent Elvis Dumervil on Monday, and he is likely going to be at OTAs and minicamp over the next two weeks. Dumervil was released earlier this offseason, and had not had any free agent visits prior to meeting with the 49ers.
After GM John Lynch tweeted out the announcement, Dumervil offers up a tweet of his own, giving NFC West quarterbacks a heads-up.
After much thought & prayer I have decided to join the @49ers! I look forward to getting to know the NFC West QBs! See you soon SF. pic.twitter.com/t5kB1yNaPW
— Elvis Dumervil (@EKD92) June 5, 2017
The 49ers have several options competing for various pass rushing roles, but Dumervil is a solid infusion of talent. He is coming off an injury that cost him half of last season. He’s 33, so he’s certainly not a spring chicken in the NFL, but he’ll get a chance to prove he has something left in the tank.
Dumervil is likely looking at a situational pass rush role. I imagine he’ll get practice time at the LEO position and as a nickel defensive end, but if he makes the roster, I think we see him primarily as a rotational pass rush option. The team is giving Arik Armstead every chance to claim the starting LEO role. As Matt Maiocco put it, this could put Aaron Lynch on notice while also providing Pita Taumoepenu with a veteran mentor. However that all plays out, Dumervil seems likely to be a third down specialist. It will give him plenty of opportunity of chances to re-introduce himself to NFL quarterbacks.