49ers Sign Kicker Phil Dawson to Replace Recently Released David Akers

by Zack Cox on Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 10:01PM

The Super Bowl runner-ups have replaced one veteran placekicker with another.

The 49ers, who released disappointing six-time Pro Bowler David Akers earlier this month, agreed to a deal with former Browns kicker Phil Dawson on Tuesday.

A 14-year veteran, Dawson is the final member of the 1999 Browns expansion squad to leave Cleveland. The 38-year-old ranks first in accuracy (84 percent) among kickers with 300 career field goals and has been especially effective over the last two seasons, converting on 13 of 14 attempts from 40-49 yards and 14 of 15 from 50 yards or longer.

Dawson was the only constant performer for a notoriously inconsistent franchise, and he thanked Browns fans for their support on Twitter before announcing that he will be moving on to San Francisco.

Hey, Cleveland. Thank you for a tremendous ride. Your love, support & encouragement have blessed me deeply.
—
Phil Dawson (@phil_dawson_4) March 19, 2013