Here are three potential landing spots for former Pro Bowl Linebacker and now former Los Angeles Charger, Eric Kendricks. The Chargers released Kendricks just one year into his two-year, $13.25 million contract. It seems like it’s a “cross-cutting” situation as the Chargers are finding ways to help with their cap casualty. Kendricks is still playing at a high level, recording 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and six pass breakups last year.
The former second-round pick also spent his first eight seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, emerging as a starter. He had over 100 tackles while helping the Vikings reach the NFC title game. Kendricks was tabbed as an All-Pro just two years into his playing time. He led the Vikings’ defense that finished fifth in the NFL in points allowed.
However, the former Pro Bowler was due for a $1.25 million roster bonus if he remained on the team on the third day of the new league year. The release of Kendricks saves the Chargers $6.5 million and the team will only incur $2.5 million in dead money. Kendricks finished second in tackles and was a captain in 2023. This is the first major roster move under Jim Harbaugh’s first year with a new staff.
Daiyan Henley and Nick Niemann remain the sole linebackers on the roster, so it seems like they need to target a new one to fill the depth. The Chargers are just $19 million above the salary cap, according to OverTheCap. Los Angeles still has some tough decisions to make about Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Mike Williams and Keenan. However, here are three potential landing spots for Eric Kendricks.
Three Potential Landing Spots for Former Pro Bowl Linebacker Eric Kendricks
Dallas Cowboys
The latest news of the Kendricks being released makes it obvious for the Cowboys to target him. The former Vikings linebacker played with defense coordinator Mike Zimmer for numerous years. Kendricks is open for business and this only means that Cowboys could sign him since the two have chemistry and history with each other. Despite being a veteran, he’ll still be able to produce at high productivity with a team that needs a solid linebacker.
Kendricks isn’t at his prime, but his production last season shows that he could still get after the quarterback. He had a 74% snap count last season while starting in 14 out of 15 of the games for the Chargers. He could speed up the learning curve for other Zimmer’s defense that had plenty of success in Minnesota.
He helped Zimmer’s blitzes and A-Gap for a number of years, so they could bring the same philosophy to Dallas’ defense. Zimmer and Kendricks can do it immediately while they teach the young guys how to. In the wake of Leighton Vander-Esch’s injury, this move could make sense since his playing days are pretty much over. Adding someone with a mindset like Kendricks could bring the “defense wins championships” back into Dallas.
Miami Dolphins
The decision to not tag Defensive Tackle Christian Wilkins shows the Dolphins’ intentions this offseason. They could add someone like Kendricks to replace Jerome Baker who is heading to the free-agent market. However, it would need to be a price that works for both Kendricks and the Dolphins. According to OverTheCap, the Dolphins have $-31.6 million in available salary cap so things are looking tight to spend.
However, the Dolphins need a linebacker, but they result in the NFL Draft if they can’t someone for cheap. Kendricks probably can go cheap for a one-year deal, but that still seems out of range for both sides.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This landing spot seems unlikely, but it may still happen since it’ll be a new scenery change for Kendricks under head coach Mike Tomlin. Kendricks still has plenty of gas left in the tank so he could team with T.J. Watt to take over the AFC as a potential duo to scare offenses. While he isn’t an every-down type of coverage guy, he could still make plays when it counts the most.
