Dallas Cowboys join free agency party, sign LB Erick Kendricks to a position of need
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The Dallas Cowboys finally joined the free agency party Wednesday night at a huge position of need when former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks decided to take a one-year deal while backing out of an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers.
The move reunites Kendricks with Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who coached him with the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2021.
With Leighton Vander Esch expected to retire and Markquese Bell likely moving back to safety, the Cowboys have a major hole to fill at linebacker in hopes of improving a run defense that proved to be a major weakness in 2023.
Kendricks gives Zimmer an experienced veteran who is familiar with his scheme to help run the defense.
Kendricks, 32, has recorded at least 100 tackles in seven straight seasons.
He left the Vikings following the 2022 season, signing a two-year deal with the Chargers.
He finished second on the Chargers with 117 tackles last season but was a salary cap casualty on March 5. The Chargers saved $6.5 million with Kendricks’ release.
Look for Kendricks to start in Dallas alongside Damone Clark and DeMarvion Overshown, who missed the 2023 season with a torn ACL.
