In an about-face, former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks agreed to a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, according to a report from ESPN.
Kendricks’ decision came hours after reports indicated he would go to the San Francisco 49ers, also on a one-year contract.
The ESPN report indicated that new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wanted a reunion with Kendricks, who turned 32 on Feb. 29. Before his one season with the Chargers, Kendricks played eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2015-22), where Zimmer was the head coach through 2021.
Kendricks, who was released on March 5 as the Chargers needed to open salary-cap space, was named a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in 2019, his only time with each honor.
Los Angeles saved $6.5 million with the release of Kendricks, who signed a two-year, $13.25 million contract prior to the 2023 season.
Last season, Kendricks started 14 of the 15 games in which he appeared, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and 117 tackles. In his nine seasons, he has 18 1/2 sacks, 1,036 tackles, five forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. He also has nine interceptions, including two for touchdowns.
Dallas Cowboys join free agency party, sign LB Erick Kendricks to a position of need
The Dallas Cowboys finally joined the free agency party Wednesday night at a huge position of need when former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks decided to take a one-year deal while backing out of an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers.
The move reunites Kendricks with Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who coached him with the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2021.
With Leighton Vander Esch expected to retire and Markquese Bell likely moving back to safety, the Cowboys have a major hole to fill at linebacker in hopes of improving a run defense that proved to be a major weakness in 2023.
Kendricks gives Zimmer an experienced veteran who is familiar with his scheme to help run the defense. Kendricks, 32, has recorded at least 100 tackles in seven straight seasons. He left the Vikings following the 2022 season, signing a two-year deal with the Chargers.
He finished second on the Chargers with 117 tackles last season but was a salary cap casualty on March 5. The Chargers saved $6.5 million with Kendricks’ release.
