Linebacker Eric Kendricks, initially slated to sign with the San Francisco 49ers for one year, has made a last-minute decision to join the Dallas Cowboys, sources revealed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Kendricks has inked a one-year deal with Dallas. The move comes as Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who previously coached Kendricks during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2021, actively sought the former Pro Bowler to bolster the team’s defensive lineup. Kendricks, in turn, expressed a preference for playing in Dallas, sources informed Schefter.
The Cowboys faced a significant void at linebacker following Leighton Vander Esch’s absence due to a neck injury and DeMarvion Overshown’s knee injury during training camp, with converted safety Markquese Bell filling in.
Although Vander Esch is anticipated to retire in the coming weeks, Kendricks’ arrival provides Dallas with a seasoned player familiar with Zimmer’s defensive scheme. Known for his consistency, Kendricks has recorded over 100 tackles in all but one season during his nine-year career.
Released by the Los Angeles Chargers on March 5 as part of salary cap adjustments, Kendricks contributed 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in the previous season, serving as a team captain.
A second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Kendricks spent eight seasons with the Vikings before being released in the 2022 offseason. In his final season with Minnesota, Kendricks tallied 137 tackles across 17 games and earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors in 2019. Throughout his career, he has amassed 1,036 tackles and 18.5 sacks in 132 games, starting in 127 of them.
