Niners Add Elvis Dumervil to Pass Rush

Veteran free agent, who once led the NFL in sacks, signs two-year deal with San Francisco

Elvis Dumervil has a great resume. He’s been to five Pro Bowls and has 99 sacks in his NFL career. In seven of his 10 pro seasons, he’s had at least 8½ sacks.

Now the 49ers are betting that at age 33 and coming off an injury-shortened season, Dumervil still has a spark that can help San Francisco’s weak pass rush.

General manager John Lynch Monday announced the 49ers have signed Dumervil to what has been reported as a two-year contract. Lynch announced the 49ers have “added another stud to harass QBs.”

Dumervil confirmed it on social media.

Wrote Dumervil on Twitter: “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.”

Just three seasons ago, Dumervill had a 17-sack season for the Baltimore Ravens, his team of the past four years. But in 2015, he had just six sacks, and in 2016, he played just eight games with three sacks in a season cut short by an Achilles’ tendon injury.

Dumervil is versatile, and can be used by new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as both a defensive end and outside linebacker in passing situations. In his NFL career – which began with the Denver Broncos in 2006 – Dumervil has been used at both positions. In 2009, he led the NFL with 17 sacks. He’s had four seasons of 10 or more sacks.

Dumervill will give Saleh additional options for pass-rush pieces at defensive end, along with rookie No. 1 pick Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Aaron Lynch.

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