Caleb Harris
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t been very busy in free agency this year, but one player they were able to sign was former Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks, who they poached from the San Francisco 49ers.
When free agency began in mid-March, Kendricks originally agreed to the terms of a settlement with the 49ers, but after thinking it through, the linebacker decided to reject San Francisco so he could sign with the Cowboys.
So why did he make this decision?
It seems like it all came down to two reasons. First, it appears that Kendricks felt he would have a better chance at playing more time in Dallas.
“I think I would have taken on a more reserve role [in San Francisco]where I feel like I still have a lot to give and I wanted to be here and be the middle linebacker,” Kendricks said this week, via Atlético. “I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership skills and lead that meeting.”
In San Francisco, the 49ers almost certainly viewed Kendricks as insurance for Dre Greenlaw. 49ers linebacker ruptured his Achilles tendon on the team Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs and it’s unclear when he might return. Greenlaw likely won’t be on the field at the start of the season, meaning Kendricks definitely would have gotten some playing time, but that playing time likely would have been reduced once Greenlaw was healthy enough to play.
The other reason Kendricks decided to sign with Dallas is because it will reunite him with Mike Zimmer, who is the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator. Kendricks spent eight seasons in Minnesota with Zimmer, who was the Vikings’ coach.
“I feel like me and Zimm have gone through times where we’ve even butted heads,” Kendricks said. after he signed in March. “Just being back with him shows that I believe in him and he believes in me and that we want to get the job done. Ultimately, playing the best football and winning a championship is our ultimate goal and that’s why I’m back with it.”
Although the two sometimes butted heads, Kendricks said he became a smarter football player because of Zimmer.
“The level of detail and the amount of football I learned from Zimm was tremendous,” said Kendricks after he signed in March. “I feel like I’ll never take that for granted and that’s why I’m back with him now. … I’m really excited to play, it’s obviously the sport I grew up playing. I’m happy to be in Coach Zimm’s system again. It felt right.
In Dallas, Kendricks will replace Leighton Vander Esch, who was forced to retire in March due to persistent neck injuries.
The Cowboys have ranked in the top five in fewest points allowed in each of the last two seasons and both Kendricks and Zimmer will look to keep that streak alive in 2024.
