SANTA CLARA — Defensive lineman Marlon Davidson, simply three years in the past, was celebrated by the Atlanta Falcons as a second-round draft choose from Auburn.
Monday, the 49ers introduced they’ve signed the Falcons’ injury-ravaged castoff, seeking to wedge him right into a defensive position rotation that’s vying to regain NFL supremacy.
Additionally signed to one-year offers have been quarterback Brandon Allen, a journeyman backup, and tight finish Troy Fumagalli, a member of the 49ers’ observe squad final season. No corresponding roster strikes have been introduced.
So, what occurred to Davidson’s profession, after it started because the NFL draft’s forty seventh general choose?
Knee accidents restricted the 6-foot-3, 303-pound Davidson to only one profession begin and only one profession sack, to go together with one fumble restoration, one interception, two go breakups and 29 tackles in 19 video games.
About that interception: It was the 18th (and remaining?) pick-six thrown by Tom Brady, and it vaulted the Falcons into the lead of their December 2021 house win over Tampa Bay.
Davidson’s problematic left knee, nevertheless, doomed his Falcons tenure. He was on injured reserve after they launched him final Oct. 25. He didn't play in both of the Falcons’ video games towards the 49ers the previous two seasons.
Davidson just isn't the one 49ers defensive lineman seeking to rebound from knee challenge. Javon Kinlaw, the 49ers’ prime draft choose in 2020, will return this yr in almost definitely a reserve function, now that they signed Javon Hargrave in free company. Davidson, 24, figures to play on that inside along with his measurement, if his knee permits.
Allen joins the 49ers’ quarterback secure for the offseason program, whereas Brock Purdy continues to be a month away from beginning a throwing program. Trey Lance and Sam Darnold have led offseason exercises so far. Allen was a backup with the Los Angeles Rams (2017-18), the Denver Broncos (2019) and the Cincinnati Bengals (2020-22).
Fumagalli joined the 49ers a yr in the past, the fifth crew of his profession. He spent the season’s first two months on their observe squad earlier than getting launched.