The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed K Phil Dawson to a one-year contract.
"We are excited to add an accomplished veteran like Phil to our team," said 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke. "Phil has performed at a high level throughout his career and has a lot of experience managing the elements, which is a valuable asset."
Dawson (5-11, 200), a two-time All-Pro selection, joins the 49ers after spending the last 14 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. In his career, he has played in 215 games and has scored 1,265 points, connecting on 305 of 365 field goal attempts (84.0 percent) and 350 of 358 PATs. Dawson's 84.0 field goal percentage ranks ninth in NFL history. He holds the Browns franchise record for most field goals made (305), field goal percentage (84.0) and ranks second in points scored (1,265). In 2012, Dawson earned his first Pro Bowl selection, connecting on 29 of 31 field goal attempts and all 29 PATs.
Dawson originally signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent on April 24, 1998, and was later waived on August 18, 1998. He was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots on August 21, 1998. Following training camp, Dawson was signed to the Patriots practice squad on August 31, where he spent the entire season. Dawson then signed with the Cleveland Browns on March 25, 1999, where he remained for the next 14 seasons. His special teams coach during the 2009-10 seasons was current 49ers assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Brad Seely.
A 38-year-old native of Dallas, TX, Dawson played at the University of Texas and scored 459 points in his career, hitting 59 of 79 field goal attempts and 162 of 170 PATs. As a senior, he earned First-Team All-America and All-Big 12 honors.
