Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has been released by the San Francisco 49ers, Pro Football Talk reported.
Dockett had spent the first ten seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinal after they drafted him in the third-round back in 2004. He chose to sign with the 49ers in free agency this offseason but apparently didn't make the cut in advance of tomorrow's mandatory roster trimmings to 53 players.
Dockett had signed a two-year, $7.25 million deal with San Fran earlier this offseason. He earned a $500,000 workout bonus, and has a guaranteed base salary of $2 million (with offset language included).
Dockett had been struggling with a rib injury this offseason. He referred to it as a cracked rib while the team labeled it a cartilage issue. If he doesn't land with a new team soon, an injury grievance could be filed since player cannot be cut when hurt.
Dockett is now a free agent available to sign with any team. The 49ers will get a "dollar-for-dollar credit" up to $2 million on whatever he makes elsewhere, according to PFT.
However, as a vested veteran, Dockett's full base salary becomes guaranteed if he's on an opening day roster. That means teams may stay away until Week 1 is in the books.
