Dallas Cowboys fans criticized the squad for being quiet during the first salvo of free agency. They did not make a move while other teams were signing multiple players. However, they broke their silence after acquiring linebacker Eric Kendricks.
There’s some drama regarding Kendrick’s acquisition. Multiple NFL insiders revealed that the one-time Pro Bowler initially agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers. However, he had a change of heart and joined the Cowboys instead on a one-year contract.
Another change of heart: after agreeing to a deal with the 49ers, former Chargers and Vikings LB Eric Kendricks has decided to go to the Dallas Cowboys instead, per sources. Mike Zimmer wanted Kendricks to help run his defense, and Kendricks preferred to play in Dallas. https://t.co/NfBUIPT0c6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024
Kendricks can solve what could be regarded as the hole in the Cowboys’ defense. Aside from Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence up front, they have superb cornerbacks in DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs.
Therefore, the former UCLA standout will help improve the Cowboys’ run defense and middle-of-the-field coverage. He won’t have difficulty adjusting in Dallas because his former head coach, Mike Zimmer, is the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator.
Kendricks played his first eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, starting in 2015 when the NFC North franchise selected him in the second round. Four years later, he earned his lone Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro selection after tallying 110 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries in 15 games.
After eight seasons in Minnesota, Kendricks agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he lasted only one season before getting released. He had 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and six passes defended in his lone season with the Chargers.
Kendricks has eight consecutive seasons with at least 100 tackles. He also has 61 tackles for negative yardage and 36 quarterback hits.
Kendricks and long-snapper Trent Sieg are the only Cowboys' free-agent signings so far. Conversely, they've lost Dorance Armstrong and Tony Pollard to other teams.
-Lance Fernandez