49ers sign Dan Skuta; agent for Charles Woodson waits to hear from team after meeting

SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco 49ers signed free agent linebacker and special teams standout Dan Skuta to a two-year contact Thursday.

The team made the announcement late Thursday, on Day 3 of the NFL's free agency period. Skuta, 26, spent his first four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Skuta made 26 tackles last season and a team-leading 17 tackles on special teams for the Bengals. He now joins one of the best linebacking groups in the NFL — featuring Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, Aldon Smith and Larry Grant. So, breaking into that defence might be a tough task on the Super Bowl runner-up 49ers.

But coach Jim Harbaugh likes versatility and depth, something Skuta should provide. He also has post-season experience, which can only be considered a plus.

"We are pleased to be adding Dan to our roster," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said. "He is an established special teams player and versatile linebacker who fits our system very well."

Also Thursday, Charles Woodson's representative said the veteran defensive back's visit with the Niners a day earlier went well and they were just waiting to hear back from the team.

Agent Carl Poston said in a phone interview that Woodson spent all day Wednesday in sessions with the 49ers and was happy with the time he spent around the organization. He left the Bay Area early Thursday, Poston said.

"He enjoyed the visit and I think they enjoyed him," Poston said. "I think it went very well, but I understand they have some people in. It just depends on which way they want to go. I'm just waiting for them to get back to me."

The 36-year-old Woodson was released by the Packers on Feb. 15 in a salary cap move and has indicated he would like to land with a Super Bowl contender at this stage of his career. He could fill a need in the secondary after San Francisco lost safety Dashon Goldson on Wednesday when he signed a $41.25 million, five-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But San Francisco appeared to be exploring other options, too.

Woodson's Green Bay team lost at San Francisco in the NFC divisional playoffs, and the 49ers went on to reach their first Super Bowl in 18 years. They lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens on Feb. 3 in New Orleans.

For now, Poston will begin scheduling meetings for Woodson with other teams as he waits to hear from San Francisco's front office.

"We are working on them as we speak, nothing firm," Poston said. He didn't want to guess as to which teams Woodson might visit next.

Former Lions safety Louis Delmas and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, reportedly visited with the 49ers on Thursday. Agents for each player didn't respond to multiple messages, and the 49ers aren't confirming players who meet with team officials.

Harbaugh spent part of the day speaking to San Jose State football players during their spring practice.

San Francisco has had a busy first few days at the start of the league's new calendar year.

On Tuesday, the 49ers completed a trade sending quarterback Alex Smith to Kansas City and another deal to acquire wide receiver Anquan Boldin from the Ravens. Former Kansas City defensive end Glenn Dorsey signed a two-year contract with the team Wednesday after a visit.

Skuta originally signed with Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent in April 2009. He was signed to the practice squad after training camp before getting promoted to the active roster on Oct. 8, 2009.