After initially agreeing to terms with the Chargers, Kendricks decided to join the Cowboys on a one-year deal.
What it means: Linebacker was at the top of the need list for the Cowboys after getting through last season with converted safety Markquese Bell playing the spot after Leighton Vander Esch’s neck injury. With Vander Esch’s career uncertain, the Cowboys have a player more than familiar with Mike Zimmer’s scheme after playing for the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator for seven seasons in Minnesota. He has had at least 92 tackles every year of his career. With him knowing the scheme, his value goes beyond the field and into making sure everybody knows where to line up.
What’s the risk: He is 32 and maybe not the player he was back in his first go-round with Zimmer, but there is little financial downside on this one-year deal. And it does not take the Cowboys out of looking heavily at linebacker in the draft. It takes some pressure off of Damone Clark with Kendrick handling the communication job.
