49ers Add Big Piece To Rebuilding With Signing Of Defensive Tackle Darnell Dockett

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - New 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula knows a thing or two about defensive lineman. He spent most of the last decade coaching the unit in San Francisco before his promotion in January. Now he's added a familiar ex-foe to the middle of that already stingy line.

The 49ers said 10-year Arizona Cardinal Darnell Dockett will switch NFC West teams to join the 49ers on a two year deal worth $7.5 million. Dockett's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the signing on Twitter:

Dockett, 33, missed the 2014 season while recovering from a torn ACL. In the 10 previous seasons, all with the Cardinals, Dockett piled up 459 tackles, 40.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and four interceptions. He is a three-time Pro-Bowl selection.

Dockett told Fox Sports 910 in Arizona one of the appealing reasons for coming to the 49ers was Tomsula. "For me, the head coach is a defensive line coach, and people fail to realize, man, this guy is awesome," Dockett said. "After every game I played against San Francisco, he was one of the guys who always came over and we talked it up. He admired my game and admired what I bring to the table."

On Tuesday, former Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne said Tomsula also was a significant factor in his decision to sign a two-year deal with the 49ers.