Another DE option gone in Free Agency to 49ers

[Charles]

Nolan, Douglas reunited with 49ers

Jay Glazer / FOXSports.com

Posted: 47 minutes ago



Mike Nolan has reached out for a little help from an old friend.

FOXSports.com has learned that Nolan's 49ers have signed former Ravens starting defensive end Marques Douglas to a three-year, $4.5 million deal.
Douglas was a starter for Nolan when he was with the Ravens and the coach wanted to bring in the versatile lineman to add a tough and gritty defender.

Douglas spurned several offers from the Cleveland Browns to rejoin his old coach and can be used across the defensive line.

Following this weekend's mini-camp, Nolan felt it was important to add a player like Douglas, who made more significant plays per snap than many defenders in the league. Douglas had 72 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2004, despite playing limited minutes.

[junk]

This is what makes me very skeptical that the 3-4 will be the base this year. The team hasnt pursued ANY 3-4 players. Granted, Ferguson can play both, but DT was a need in any scheme.

I still expect a mix of both schemes, but I think 4-3 may be the base.

[Charles]

This is what makes me very skeptical that the 3-4 will be the base this year. The team hasnt pursued ANY 3-4 players. Granted, Ferguson can play both, but DT was a need in any scheme.

I still expect a mix of both schemes, but I think 4-3 may be the base.
I totally agree. I don't think Parcells wants to make the switch entirely to 3-4. I think he wants a versatile defense that can change fronts on any given play or where it suits best.