It appears Eric Kendricks rejected a contract offer from that San Francisco 49ers in free agency that was larger than the deal he signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, “word has it Kendricks took less from the Cowboys than he had from the 49ers.”
Kendricks signed a one-year deal with Dallas worth up to $3.5 million, per Archer.
Kendricks initially agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers before pivoting and signing with the Cowboys.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer “wanted Kendricks to help run his defense” and that the veteran linebacker “preferred to play in Dallas.”
Kendricks explained his decision to join America’s Team after putting pen-to-paper on his one-year deal, per Nick Eatman of the team website:
“I felt like it was a really hard decision. (The 49ers) are an excellent organization and wonderful program they have there. Ultimately, I wanted the opportunity to play MIKE and bet on myself. Especially at this point in my career, I have a lot left to prove. I feel great and I’m moving great. To be able to play MIKE with this defense, and the guys we have on this defense, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass. I’m very happy with this decision.”
Kendricks, a 2015 second-round pick of the Vikings, spent the first eight years of his career in Minnesota, and Zimmer was his head coach for seven of those seasons.
The 32-year-old’s best season in purple came in 2019 when he posted 0.5 sacks, 12 passes defended, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 110 tackles in 15 games en route to a Pro Bowl selection and First Team All-Pro nod.
Kendricks spent the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Chargers and was solid, posting 3.5 sacks, six passes defended, one forced fumble and 117 tackles in 15 games.
He now joins a Dallas defense headlined by Micah Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs.
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