49ers sign free safety Craig Dahl

The 49ers just announced they’ve signed free safety Craig Dahl to a three-year deal worth $5 million, according to the Sacramento Bee. Here is general manager Trent Baalke’s statement: “We are pleased to announce the signing of Craig. He is an experienced veteran with excellent intangibles, who has working knowledge of the NFC West.”

Dahl is 27 years old and he was the starting free safety for the Rams last season. He was the 78th-best safety in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, missing 16 tackles and allowing 15.8 yards per reception.

Do you think he will start at free safety for the 49ers next season? Do you think the 49ers will draft a free safety to compete with Dahl?

This entry was posted in Inside the 49ers and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

146 Responses to 49ers sign free safety Craig Dahl

  1. A$AP Classic says:

    They NEED to draft a safety. Point. Blank. Period.

  2. BigBrad184 says:

    Just a weird signing all-around. As a starter it doesn’t make any sense (he isn’t very good). As a backup it doesn’t make any sense (they have 14 picks in the draft and already have Spillman and Robinson on the roster). Maybe he’s just another core special teams guy, but I just don’t get this signing. Let’s hope it’s a really low money deal.

  3. Jai says:

    WTH?! This seems like a recent Oakland Raiders bargain basement signing. You sure it was the 49ers who signed this dude?

  4. Grimey9er says:

    Yikes. I’d like to see the contract terms before I freak out. I don’t see this guy making the opening day roster.

  5. Adam707 says:

    Picking up a white free safety isn’t the answer. Sorry, white guys can’t hack it in the secondary. We just aren’t athletic enough.

  6. BigP says:

    We debate the free agency period and the draft picks, but I’m pretty sure that we all agree that Craig Dahl is not the answer.

    1. Jesse Williams, DT Alabama
    2. Johnathan Jenkins, DT Georgia
    3. Tyrann Mathieu, CB LSU
    3. Bacarri Rambo, FS Georgia
    4. Jonathan Cyprien, SS Florida International
    5. Chris Harper, WR Kansas State (My sleeper pick to replace Delaney Walker. Similar frame with the ability to bulk up. He is was a receiver in college that would be a mismatch against LB’s and safties but probably struggle against CB’s at the NFL level.)

    • BigBrad184 says:

      Way to hit the d-line and secondary hard. Seems a little risky to take the Honey Badger that high. Would like to see them grab another OLB/DE pass rusher too.

      • BigP says:

        BigBrad,
        I agree about the Honey Badger thing, but after hearing the kid come out and say it would be his dream to play for the 49ers, I had to bump him up a bit. In a draft full of rehearsed responses, I found his candor refreshing. He would also provide a boost to the return game.

    • Grimey9er says:

      I love the Chris Harper pick.

    • Jack Hammer says:

      Love the Rambo pick BigP. Had him there in my first mock draft too.

      • BigP says:

        Jack,
        You gotta love those SEC guys. He looks like he could be a good one. He has a bit of a knuckle head streak in him, but he definitely has the tools to be an outstanding player.

    • Scooter_McG says:

      Tyrann Mathieu and Bacarri Rambo on the same team… what could possibly go wrong! :-P

    • Brotha Tuna says:

      Big P
      Aren’t J.Wms & J.Jenkins the same? We re-signed I.Wms and signed Dorsey to play NT. Going 31 + 34 on heavies?
      Really think Cyprien drops that far? I’ve read #25-40.
      As to Dahl not being the answer, my exact words when they picked up Larry Grant. I was wrong, he contributed.

      • Scooter_McG says:

        Agree with you there Brotha. With the signing of Dorsey and extension of I. Williams I don’t think the 49ers will go for 2 DL in the first 2 rounds. Especially 2 guys that have similar qualities.

        Despite my misgivings regarding Dorsey as a NT, he is apparently being seen as a potential 1-tech NT option that can slide over to play 3-tech or DE. Basically the RJF role. He’ll compete with Williams for the NT spot (Williams replaces Sopoaga). Not sure they bring in a 3rd guy to play the 1-tech.

        I think more likely scenario if they go DL early is someone that can penetrate playing as a down or stand-up DE and potentially move inside as a 3-tech DT on passing downs.

      • BigP says:

        Brotha Tuna,
        All good points, and I thought about that before I did my mock. It’s a deep draft, and it’s deep in the areas that we have needs. I see it as an opportunity to acquire quality defensive linemen for now and the future. There are many drafts where there are very few quality defensive linemen. RJF and Soap are gone. Justin Smith is not getting any younger and his health can’t be guaranteed. He is also in the last year of his contract. It’s the same situation with the safety depth in the draft and the needs this team has currently, and will have in the future. Whitner is unlikely to be re-signed after this year and Goldson is gone. There are many quality prospects there, which isn’t always the case. We have the picks and the draft has the prospects to substantially improve this team, both in the short and long term. Jonathan Cyprien may very well go higher, but I think there is a good possibility to land him there. I really like him as a player. Good size, speed and the instincts to excel in this defense. My board is based on not just this year, but the next two seasons. They are going to have to get some young guys up to speed quickly because their modest contracts will be vital in giving the team the ability to sign Kaepernick, Crabtree and Aldon Smith to new contracts. This is the perfect draft for the Niners because it is strong with players in positions of need for them. Strike while the iron is hot and parlay the later picks into 2014 draft picks with greater value. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. At least that’s what I hope happens.

      • Brotha Tuna says:

        Nice post, BigP. Much respect for your opinion. I come at this as someone who doesn’t think I “know better” than others, just wrassling with & turning concepts every which way to look at them.
        If Jesse Williams can play 3, 1, and maybe some 0, I’m down with it. Jenkins might be an extravagance in context of Dorsey/I.Williams/and presumed Jesse Williams.
        I kinda like Reid over Cyprian, but who goes where might force choices. I’m coming around to Tyrann’s versatility being a value, but I’m not sure how much I’d chase him (cost).
        You’re reasoning is sound. Just quibbling and questioning while a chick flick runs at our house.

      • BigP says:

        Brotha Tuna,
        Again, you make good points and I appreciate you taking the time to tell me why you feel the way you do. I totally agree with you about the Jenkins thing and I wrestled with that before I put it up. Ultimately, I decided that the opportunity to beef up the line with two really good prospects was too good to pass up. It’s rare that a team drafting at the end of the first gets a crack at a top tier D-lineman. Having the opportunity to add two would be quite a coup. The Tyrann Mathieu pick was also tough for me. I might flip the third rounders, and may even put Cyprien into the third with Mathieu in the fourth. I like the added versatility that Mathieu brings in the return game. Reid is a very good choice as well, and speaks to the depth of the talent in this draft. I look at it as a draft with a bunch of talent, we have a bunch of picks and it’s the perfect time to stock the cabinets before they’re bare.

    • hightop says:

      Like this mock (love J Willams)-from my perspective would prefer to see a DE as a second pick in this scenario-say Tank Carradine;Okafar;Hunt – however nice job.

  7. Scooter_McG says:

    I think he’ll be the back up behind a rookie, providing some veteran insurance that was sorely lacking last season behind Goldson and Whitner. This could also be seen as a statement that the 49ers don’t believe Spillman will ever be a starting safety. I assume Dahl has some experience in ST coverage units?

  8. Jesse says:

    Special teams player, last two signings have been to address the poor special teams play last year. He’s quality blue collar special teams player.

  9. MidWestNiner says:

    There are only two reasons I can think of why they signed him:

    1. He will be Charles Woodson’s backup.

    2. There is a FS that Baalke and Harbaugh are eyeing as a potential
    starter in this year’s draft.

    If I had to take a stab at a third reason, I would say that Baalke was
    drunk as a skunk and believed that he was signing a young Ronnie Lott.

    • Razoreater says:

      Coming in at number four:

      He was signed for information on the Rams defense.

    • George says:

      As Baalke said, they like him for his experience and intangibles. The guy ran a 4.55 40, has some height and bulk. Also has jumping abilities. I posted this on the previous blog, so please forgive me if you have already seen it:

      As per cbssports.com when he came out. Lot’s of things to like about him:

      Positives: Has a lean, muscular frame with good bone structure that could carry additional bulk for a potential move to a Cover-2 outside linebacker position … Has good overall body thickness with a tight waist and abdomen and tapered thighs and calves (high jumper on the school’s track team) … Very active in run force, showing consistent wrap-up tackle technique … Alert to the route’s progression when working in the zone and does a good job of keeping position on receivers throughout their patterns … Has the leaping ability and timing to win most jump ball battles … Best when handling tight ends and backs in the short-area passing game, but has the loose hips and crisp breaks out of his pedal to mirror his man deep into the seam … Will play with pain, evident by his ability to excel despite bone fractures on both hands throughout most of the 2006 season … Lacks explosive speed, but builds to top acceleration nicely and shows loose hips in his change of direction … Doesn’t stay in his backpedal for long, but has the foot quickness and hip flexibility to not take any wasted steps in transition … Plays with good balance moving in space and has great ability to hurdle over the pile and make the play, using his track experience in that area … All-out hustler who plays until the whistle and relishes his role on special teams, where his speed and aggressive hitting sees him simply punish returners and often jar the ball loose … Also times his leaps well while attempting to block the kick (blocked two in his career) … Exceptional open-field tackler who makes proper reads and quickly diagnoses the plays … Fluid turning and running coming out of his backpedal … Very decisive playing the ball in front of him and makes quick decisions switching off in the zone … Has fluid change of direction agility, and when playing inside the box he shows an explosive closing burst and the range to easily recover when beaten … Combats receivers for the ball, timing his leaps perfectly to disrupt the opponent’s vision and has the plant-and-drive agility to stay on the receiver’s hip throughout the route … Has a strong forward charge in run support … Unloads bone-jarring tackles, staying low to extend his arms, wrap and secure … Effective edge rusher who takes good angles to the ball and has the speed to surprise a lethargic blocker … Shows good arm-under action and counter moves to slip past the offensive linemen … Hits with good balance, staying low in his pads and driving with his legs to clog the rush lanes … Shows an even flow as he moves laterally, quickly stepping in to fill the rush lanes … Jams well at the line and is physical with receivers in the zone, staying in position while showing good awareness to activity in the backfield.

      Negatives: More of a run supporter than a deep coverage defender … Will bite some on the quarterback’s pump fakes and play-action … Active at the line of scrimmage, but needs to do a better job of using his hands to protect his body from low blocks … Sometimes tries to out-battle the offensive lineman rather than slip past blocks or avoid … Best when making plays in front of him, as he has limited experience playing deep in the zone (plays in a system where he was actually more of a linebacker in pass coverage than a safety).

      • runman49 says:

        “All-out hustler who plays until the whistle and relishes his role on special teams, where his speed and aggressive hitting sees him simply punish returners and often jar the ball loose … Also times his leaps well while attempting to block the kick (blocked two in his career) … Exceptional open-field tackler who makes proper reads and quickly diagnoses the plays …”

        Good enough for me…lets just forget he is a safety for now…

      • Allan says:

        runman: exactly

      • MidWestNiner says:

        Will do. Harbaugh and Baalke have a plan so I will continue to trust that they know what they are doing.

    • Big niner says:

      @George
      sounds like he’s a replacement for Whitner not Goldson.

  10. Big Amp says:

    John Lynch from Stanford made plenty of Ronnie Lott hits from the safety spot back in the day….

  11. bumpkin says:

    Remember how tough the Rams played the 48ers. Maybe they want to pick his brain for a while.

  12. A$AP Classic says:

    My Fantasy 49er Mock Draft

    1. Xavier Rhodes CB (trade with SD)
    2. Matt Elam FS
    3. John Jenkins NT
    3. Markus Wheaton WR
    4. Tyrann Matheiu CB

    Thats assuming they trade the 31st overall , one of the 2nd rounders , & one or two lower round picks to move up to #11.

  13. Femmefan says:

    Looks like the Niners are holding firm to what they have as assigned value per position.
    The draft is where they will make their big moves, not in FA. The team of Baalke and Harbaugh wants to improve, but not with aging vets, unless, they will agree to play for the organizations’ assigned value.
    Look for the Niners to grab some first round defensive talent in the way of a safety and cornerback with the bevy of picks they have.

  14. Ovidiu says:

    He will compete with Robinson for a roster spot! special team play should be boosted by this addition , and maybe as a reliable veteran on the bench as an insurance. Asomugha is next, depending on whom we pick in april, he will play corner or will be moved @ free safety. Remember that he played safety @ Cal

  15. Cory K says:

    I actually think he’s taking McBath’s roster spot. Back up safety and special teamer.

  16. George says:

    What PFF is saying:
    “After losing Dashon Goldson the 49ers need some help at their free safety spot. One of the guys likely to have a crack at the job is Craig Dahl who they just inked on a three-year deal. Dahl was our 78th (out of 88) ranked safety, but while he struggled to make many plays, he didn’t give up a lot of big plays. Indeed in coverage he only gave up 0.48 yards into his primary coverage, 20th best of all safeties. We don’t expect him walking into the starting job, but if nothing else he’ll contribute on special teams where he had 26 tackles over the past three years.”

  17. Razoreater says:

    No reason not to have 2 CB’s and a FS heading into day 3.

    • Scooter_McG says:

      Or even two safeties and a CB. I agree the 49ers will be taking a few DBs this year.

  18. Niner Boz says:

    Just a thought but Culliver played safety for two years at South Carolina. In terms of covering ability he’s an upgrade over Dashon so maybe this could be the direction they’re heading.

  19. ravendavid says:

    Baake/top brass have lost the momentum they had with the 2011 season, and should have realized after the Giant loss that they needed to upgrade the pass rush as well as get better wr’s (especially bigger-faster), and change qb to CK. We had a weird and fruitless draft last year and poor free agent selections and we are doing it again this year with questionable FA picks. The Hawks have been pinpoint in the same time period. Lowell and Grant have been clearer about this then other sportswriter commentators.

  20. Heidelberg Slim says:

    Niners brain trust knows what they are doing. This guy is a ST hardnose and we sucked there last year…

  21. Allan says:

    Gotta love this twitter from Barrows:

    GM Trent Baalke must be ecstatic. The last time he had this many people calling him an idiot, he was named NFL Executive of the Year. (2011)

    • runman49 says:

      Not sure which I like better…

      Matt Barrows ‏@mattbarrows

      “I figured out a way Craig Dahl is better than Dashon Goldson! … Goldson 7 penalties for team-high 102 yards in 2012; Dahl: 4-33. Q.E.D.”

    • ninermd says:

      BINGO!!!!
      Lol

  22. runman49 says:

    Anybody have any insight on Trenton Robinson? Does he have a chance to start or destined to be a backup?

    • Jack Hammer says:

      Robinson is the backup strong safety. Harbaugh seems to like him though. He may be a year away.

  23. George says:

    Sando, who I am starting to revere, has this to say about Dahl:
    This is not a flashy signing, but Dahl has the potential to help in multiple ways.

    “Dahl, 27, has started 40 games for the Rams over the past four seasons, including all 16 in 2012. He’s better against run than pass and has played quite a bit on special teams. His addition gives the 49ers improved depth at safety.

    The 49ers allowed Pro Bowl starting free safety Dashon Goldson to leave in free agency. They have visited with free-agent safeties young and old, including Ed Reed.

    I’m not sure if the 49ers view Dahl as a likely starter. He would appear to be part of a lower-cost approach to the position. If the 49ers had been willing to pay top dollar for a safety, they presumably would have re-signed Goldson or named him their franchise player for a second consecutive season.

    Strength in the front seven should allow the 49ers to succeed on defense without overspending for their secondary. The team has already invested heavily at linebacker, with excellent results.

    Dahl’s departure from the Rams comes as no shock. The team released veteran starter Quintin Mikell before letting Dahl reach free agency. The safety market has been flooded with veterans. The Rams also have options in the draft. They hold two first-round picks and eight choices overall.”

    • George says:

      Sorry, quote should start at, “This is not a flashy . .

    • George says:

      Note what he says here: “Strength in the front seven should allow the 49ers to succeed on defense without overspending for their secondary.” To put it another way, you get more for your dollar with your defensive line and linebacker play than you do with your secondary, in Sando’s opinion anyway. Any of you guys having Ballskie draft secondary help first want to reconsider that? Keep in mind, now, that JSmith and McDonald cannot play forever.

      • runman49 says:

        They have enough draft capital to get both done…who they draft first is more dependent on who is available when they select IMO.

      • George says:

        Agree. I am hoping they have a deal or deals in place, or will, to move up.

  24. Miner hater says:

    Wow just eow I have never seen a team race to the bottom like the stupid niners.
    I have never seen a team race to the bottom like the niners have. Go rams we got rid of our mess.
    This team will be in last place next year.
    Hmm who will replace hargbough? Trent balky?

  25. Jack Hammer says:

    I actually like this signing. I think he will be the starter on opening day. I also thinly they will still go after a free safety in the draft who can step up in 2014.

    • George says:

      Curious: So you give that higher odds than Culliver?

    • ninermd says:

      I agree. They always seem to do their homework on players and our philosophy. He doesn’t sound much different than Goldson. I want to see if he’s a hitter like DG was though.

    • Razoreater says:

      Now that’s sticking your neck out. “I think he will be the starter on opening day”.

    • Scooter_McG says:

      Depending on how the draft plays out I wouldn’t be surprised if Dahl ends up the #1 backup safety playing behind a rookie and Whitner. But I agree, I like the signing. More depth and he provides help on special teams.

  26. ninermd says:

    I’m going to trust Baalke and Harbaugh on this. They always seem to find the piece of the puzzle that fits. From what I’ve read he’s got some speed, plays the run well has jumping ability to defend jump balls.

    I’ve got a feeling the 49ers are going to sure up the d line first. Everyone saw the defense go south with the J Smith injury. With the draft full of safety potential I think they trade up for the DL they really want. I think they break the mold an move up this season

  27. 5253 says:

    Gotta love Grant’s “rattle the hornet’s nest” blogging style. He omitted a key part from the Pro Football Focus piece he referenced: “if nothing else, he’ll contribute on special teams, where he contributed 26 tackles over the past 3 years”. Add’l point by Barrows: “Dahl played same punt coverage position Goldson used to handle.”

    Dahl was more likely signed as a guy who could help a flagging special teams unit. In that context, this is a good signing.

  28. 5253 says:

    Draft wish list:
    Safety: Jonathan Cyprien or Eric Reid
    DL: Sheldon Richardson or Datone Jones
    Very high on Kawann Short, too. Great size and strength. Great initial quickness for his size and has some pass rush skill for an interior lineman. I’d love to see what Tomsula could with any of the latter 3 D-Linemen.

    • Scooter_McG says:

      Kawann Short – I’d love to see the 49ers draft him. I’d prefer him over Richardson and Jones. He’s got some question marks over taking some downs off, but on pure ability I think he’s right up there with the best in this years DL draft class. Can rush the passer and hold up against double teams. So no doubt he’ll end up being a bum…

  29. TIM says:

    If he is anything more than a ST’s player and backup depth at Safety I will be very disappointed. Imho he is not our starting FS.

  30. #7 says:

    If this signing hurts the Rams, then I’m all for it. They stuffed us twice last year.

    • runman49 says:

      Losing Steven Jackson, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson, and failing to sign Lous Delma and Jake Long is what is going to hurt the Rams. I doubt if there going to lose any sleep over losing Dahl…

  31. Grant Cohn says:

    Barrows reports Dahl’s contract is 3 years, $5 million. Last offseason, the 49ers signed safety C.J. Spillman to a 3-year, $ 6 million contract. Maybe that shows what the 49ers think of Dahl.

    • Coffee's for closers says:

      If there isn’t a lot of guaranteed money then there isn’t anything preventing us from cutting him if we find something better between now and the end of TC.

  32. AES says:

    So with the signings of Dorsey and Dahl (area’s needing attention), do the 49ers now focus their attention somewhere else and package their #31 and perhaps their 2nd rd two for a chance to get a WR between picks 15-20?

    I would keep #34 for a shot at Eric Reid or J.Cyprian who could be groomed to take over in the near future. I would have taken a gamble by drafting either of these two with #31, but I believe they will still be on the board at #34, hence my motivation for packaging #31 to move up in the draft.

    • Msclemons67 says:

      More than likely the 49ers will kick back and wait until after the draft before signing many more players. There is still some quality talent on the streets and it will be dirt cheap come May.

  33. richard says:

    In last year’s senior bowl Robinson missed a tackle so bad on a running back that Mayock pointed it out! We can hope his coverage skills are his strong point. With Dobbs coming back and the Dorsey pick up maybe only one dl picked in the draft allowing niners to pick more db’s, wr’s and te’s.

  34. Brian says:

    If Craig Dahl and Donte Whitner are our starting safetys in 2013 we are in trouble. Kaepernick will have to score 35 every game. Teams will go 4 wide and just throw at Whitner and Dahl up the seam. 2 of the worst safetys in the league. Balke should of paid 8 mill on Goldson and cut Whitner. Instead he keeps Whitner and signs a scrub free safety. we go from Revis to maybe adding Ed Reed or Woodson instead we add the a guy who was 5 worst free safetys in nfl last year in missed tackles. What a bleepin disaster. Balke can pay Boldin 6 milion but can’t pay 1st team all pro Goldson 8 million. What a joke. I hope to god Cj Spillman beats this dude out in camp and we add Matt Elam in draft to replace Whitner.

    • 23Jordan/ says:

      Who are you kidding ? Kaepernick is going to be a mediocre Qb comes next season. I’ll give this fool and Harball 2 years and they’re both out of the NFL and looking for new job.

  35. 23Jordan/ says:

    Glad that the 9er’s key players departed now the “Chemistry is disrupted and soon the 9er’s will back to their old ways as “Losers.. hahaha..

    • BigP says:

      Hey idiot, people know the avatars of the long time posters here. Get a life.

      • 23Jordan/ says:

        “if you believed that 9er’s are going to the SB once again? Sorry your mistaken. Noway are they going to get near it next time around.. hahaha.. Fortywhiners !

      • Brotha Tuna says:

        Hmmmm. Unhappy with loss of key players. Hmm, trying to blame Jordo for the negativity by posing as him. Who might skulk around and do something as hopelessly small minded? Gosh, I could never guess who that might be.

      • 23Jordan/ says:

        Tuna Head, You must an intelligent individual? You already had an Idea before who’s going to win the SB? Your 9er’s who literally choker at the end. “I was shock when your team loss to an average team. lol !

      • 23jordan says:

        Big P,

        This clown doesnt have a life. He definitely knows nothing about Niner football. Your average troll.

    • pete says:

      This guy is a great comedian.

    • 23jordan says:

      Get a life and a screen name

  36. Brotha Tuna says:

    @ (Real)Jordo:
    Ya know, dude, folks jumping up to slap FauxJordo back for posing as you is kinda a compliment; especially for a…uh..a..controversial figure like yerself. : >)