49ers sign former Broncos linebacker and special teams ace

The 49ers late Friday signed free agent linebacker Dekoda Watson to a three-year deal, the team announced.

Watson, 29, is the third linebacker added by new general manager John Lynch this offseason, joining Malcolm Smith and Brock Coyle, since the team began its transition to a 4-3 defense. Incumbents Gerald Hodges, Michael Wilhoite and Nick Bellore are unsigned free agents.

Watson (6-2, 245) last season led the Broncos in special teams tackles. He’s Lynch’s second free agent signing to have that distinction with his former club. New defensive back Don Jones, signed last week, led the Texans in tackles in 2016 in the third phase.

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The 49ers are Watson’s sixth team since he entered the league with the Buccaneers in 2010, when he was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft out of Florida State.

He spent four seasons with Tampa Bay before playing for the Jaguars and Cowboys in 2014, the Patriots in 2015 and Denver last season. The 49ers other linebackers are NaVorro Bowman, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Shayne Skov, Wynton McManis, Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold, Tank Carradine, Ahmad Brooks and Carl Bradford.

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