San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Who Should be Cut by Week 1

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Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula speaks with defensive end Glenn Dorsey (90) between plays against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5, DT Glenn Dorsey

Defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey began his career with the 49ers in 2013 as a free-agent pick up. That offseason, he signed a two-year deal and, the next offseason, he signed a two-year contract extension.

While under former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, Dorsey thrived as a nose tackle. In 2013, he took over for an injured Ian Williams halfway through Week 2’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. That year, Dorsey registered 41 combined tackles and two quarterback sacks. He was great against the run, but more importantly he clogged the middle, opening plays for the 49ers’ great linebackers.

Since then though, Dorsey has steadily dropped off. In 2014, Dorsey missed the entire season with a torn biceps muscle. He also tore his ACL in 2015, missing the final six weeks of the season.

Injuries shouldn’t be a reason to let Dorsey go, but his career kind of speaks for itself. He’s never been a great five-technique player and has only thrived as a nose tackle for one season.

If anything, the 49ers could keep Dorsey for his veteran leadership and presence. I wouldn’t bother though. The youth will age quicker than you think. Soon, the 49ers will have a strong veteran roster. The arrow is up on talent, but it just takes time, so give the young guys like Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Mike Purcell and even Kaleb Ramsey more playing time and they’ll develop into savvy veterans before you know it.

Next: No. 4, Corey Lemonier