The Dallas Cowboys have signed nine-year veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to a contract, marking their first outside signing of free agency.
Rather than sign with the San Francisco 49ers during the legal tampering period earlier this week, Kendricks will travel to Dallas, where he will rejoin defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Zimmer, the former head coach of Minnesota, drafted and assisted in developing the 2019 All-Pro into one of the league’s best middle linebackers.
Kendricks was released on March 5 after playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 following eight seasons in Minnesota. After eight seasons with 100 or more tackles, he joins the Cowboys defense.
Following Leighton Vander Esch’s injury in week five, Markquese Bell had to move up from safety to linebacker, leaving the linebacker room severely lacking in support heading into the offseason.
Only Damone Clark is left from the final 53-man roster of the season, with Vander Esch’s injury casting doubt on his NFL future. It is anticipated that DeMarvion Overshown, who had an ACL tear during his rookie season and missed the whole campaign, will recover in time for training camp and contribute to the linebacker position.
Should Kendricks sign, the defense would gain a dependable veteran in the center of the field who has been a vital leader on Mike Zimmer’s teams since their time in Minnesota. Whether Vander Esch returns or not, Kendricks will be a reliable and intelligent addition to the middle linebacker position in 2024.
The Cowboys, who held five official interviews with linebacker candidates at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this month, have also been closely monitoring the linebacker position in the forthcoming selection.
Kendricks was a second-round pick of the Vikings in 2015 after a productive college career at UCLA. His eight seasons in Minnesota saw him play in 117 games before playing in 15 games last season with the Chargers.
