Eric Kendricks reveals reason for signing with Cowboys instead of 49ers

The Dallas Cowboys signed very few free agents this offseason, but among the group is potential starting middle linebacker Eric Kendricks. Despite receiving the opportunity to go to the 49ers and stay in California, where he was in 2023 with the Chargers, Kendricks opted to pack his bags and head to Texas on a one-year deal for $3 million.

When asked why he chose the Cowboys over their NFC rivals, the veteran noted that his role likely comes with more playing time and more responsibility in Dallas than in San Francisco. He spoke to reporters for the first time at the Reliant Energy Home Run Derby on Wednesday, where they raised over $100,000 for the Salvation Army.

“I think I would’ve taken more of a reserved role (in San Francisco), where as I feel I have a lot left to give and I wanted to be here and be middle linebacker,” Kendricks said, via Jon Machota. “I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership abilities and command that huddle.”

Kendricks was a central figure of the Minnesota Vikings defense during new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s time as head coach. It’s not surprising that Zimmer wanted to reunite with the veteran given his availability this cycle and Dallas’ need for linebackers. After losing Leighton Vander Esch this offseason due to medical retirement, the Cowboys have a spot open for the former Bruin to step up.

Though Dallas ended up drafting a linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft, they used a late third-round pick to do it. Former Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau will be among the young linebackers under Kendricks’ wing this season.

Eric Kendricks ready to help Cowboys’ depleted LB group

Kendricks was a second-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 out of UCLA and he made an impact in every season before going to the Chargers in free agency last year. In 2023, he had 117 tackles in 15 games played, along with 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Kendricks started in all but three games he played for in Minnesota. From the time the linebacker was a rookie, he was an impact player. In 17 games in 2022, Kendricks recorded 137 tackles and eight tackles for a loss.

Over the first nine years of his career, Kendricks has tallied 1,036 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 57 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, six recoveries and nine interceptions. He’s also played in three postseason games, racking up 19 tackles with one sack and one interception. He earned All-Pro First-Team honors and a Pro Bowl nomination after the 2019 season.