Darnell Dockett is staying in the NFC West. He was a member of the Arizona Cardinals for the past 11 seasons, but on Thursday signed a two-year deal with the rival San Francisco 49ers. The two-year deal is worth $7.5 million , with $4 million being paid in the first season and $2 million guaranteed, according to Schefter.
Dockett missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL, which he suffered in August before the regular season began. He joins an accomplished 49ers that ranked in the top ten in every major team defense category. The 49ers are retaining nearly every player on that defense. CB Chris Culliver is a free agent to be, and DL Justin Smith's future with the team is uncertain at this point.
Dockett has 459 career tackles, 40.5 sacks, 12 fumble recoveries, 7 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions. Even though he sat out 2014, Dockett has made it abundantly clear that he believes he can still play at a high level in 2015. He has made it his goal to be the Comeback Player of the Year in 2015.
Dockett, who will be 34 in May, chose to decline a cheaper contract that would have kept him in Arizona.