NFL Tickets
The San Francisco 49ers made the right move by inking a three-year deal with safety Craig Dahl after they lost Dashon Goldson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dahl had a stellar season in 2012 in which he posted 78 tackles (62 solo), one interception for 38 yards and defended two passes in 16 games for the St. Louis Rams.
The five-year veteran is an outstanding addition to the NFC champions and will be a huge part in helping the 49ers get back to the Super Bowl. The fact that he has spent the majority of his career in the NFC West will help him in his process of preparing for the upcoming NFL season. It also gives San Francisco an advantage because Dahl knows the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and the Rams inside and out.
“Not the enemy anymore,” Dahl told the Associated Press. “It’s a program I’m really familiar with, players and coaches I’m familiar with how they operate and the basis of what their team fundamentals are. … The mentality of the division has changed, teams are a lot more aggressive on defense and it’s turning out a lot better football teams than it has in the past.”
Obviously, the move may have some fans worried because the position is seeing a downgrade from Goldson. It is also understandable that many fans may be upset after rumors circulated that the team was interested in legendary defensive back Charles Woodson. However, the fact that the 49ers were able to acquire Dahl for a mere $5 million plus an $800,000 signing bonus is completely worth it. This allows San Francisco to sign another free safety if the organization feels there is someone that can benefit the team for the right price.
Whether Dahl will be named the starter remains to be seen, but the 49ers are definitely going to give him a legitimate shot to line up next to Donte Whitner.
“Whether I’m lined up out there from day one, it’s always going to be a competition to keep your job once you’re the starter,” Dahl said, according to CBSSports.com “I’m grateful for the opportunity I was given, and I hope to be that guy.”
Dahl is also a very good special teams contributor and could certainly help in that area of the team if need be.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Share 
