Eric Kendricks, a veteran linebacker and former Minnesota Vikings first-team All-Pro, had a deal in place to sign with the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday. Rather, he switched to the Dallas Cowboys, an NFC rival of the 49ers. According to a report from ESPN’s Todd Archer on Wednesday night, the 32-year-old will agree to a one-year deal with the Cowboys.
By making this move, he is reunited with Mike Zimmer, his former head coach of the Vikings, who is currently Mike McCarthy’s defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. As he develops his new defense, Zimmer—who is in his first season with the team—partially desired Kendricks, said ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Another change of heart: after agreeing to a deal with the 49ers, former Chargers and Vikings LB Eric Kendricks has decided to go to the Dallas Cowboys instead, per sources. Mike Zimmer wanted Kendricks to help run his defense and Kendricks preferred to play in Dallas. https://t.co/NfBUIPT0c6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024
Eric Kendricks deal explained
The specifics of Kendricks’s contract with Dallas are unknown. He played for the Los Angeles Chargers the previous season after agreeing to a two-year, $13.25 million contract with the team. This offseason, he was a salary cap casualty; his release allowed the Chargers to save $6.5 million.
In his one season in Los Angeles, Kendricks recorded 117 total tackles and 3 1/2 sacks in 15 games, demonstrating his productivity. Throughout his nine-year career, Kendricks has been a workhorse, appearing in 132 of 147 games that were possible.
In addition, Kendricks marks the Cowboys’ first acquisition of the 2024 NFL free agency class following several days of silence from Jerry Jones’ front office.
