The San Francisco 49ers have lost a key member of their secondary as free safety Dashon Goldson agreed to a 5-year deal worth $41.25 million and $22 million guaranteed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Goldson played six seasons in San Francisco and made the Pro Bowl in consecutive seasons. In 2012, Goldson was First Team All-Pro.
Known for making big hits and being very good in coverage, Goldson is a physical–and not–a dirty player. Goldson has been fined for late hits and most recently received one for an unnecessary roughness penalty on New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.
After the 2011 season, the 49ers put the franchise tag on him and did not disappoint in 2012 where he registered 69 tackles, three interceptions, 11 passes defended, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. A far cry from his 2010 season in which he struggled mightily as Goldson missed tackles and was awful in coverage.
The past two seasons were great, yet it was his 2009 season that was his best year as a pro, as he would record 94 tackles, four interceptions, two sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and six passes defended.
With the Buccaneers ranking as one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL last season, Goldson provides the play making and leadership ability the team is desperately in need of. This certainly is a great first step to help anchor a major weakness.
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