Why LB Kendricks Rejected 49ers to Sign with Cowboys originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
What exactly led to the veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks’ decision sign with the Dallas Cowboys after supposedly agreeing to the terms with the 49ers?
When speaking with Jon Machota, AtléticoKendricks explained why the opportunity to play a more integral role in Dallas led to his decision reject San Francisco and sign with the Cowboys. (h/t 49ers Webzone)
“I think I would have taken on a more reserved role [in San Francisco]while I feel like I still have a lot to give and I wanted to be here and be the middle linebacker,” Kendricks told Machota. “I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership skills and lead that group.”
With Fred Warner cemented as the 49ers’ starting linebacker, the chances of Kendricks getting the opportunity to play substantial snaps at the position in San Francisco were slim.
The nine-year NFL veteran spent the 2023 campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers after serving as a key piece of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense for the first eight seasons of his professional football career. Kendricks was named First-Team All-Pro in 2019 under head coach Mike Zimmer, who now serves as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.
Between the chance to land a more substantial role in Dallas and the opportunity to reunite with Zimmer, Kenricks’ decision to forego signing with San Francisco is understandable.
With Dre Greenlaw’s return timeline from a torn Achilles remaining uncertain, the 49ers have decided to sign another former All-Pro linebacker following Kendricks’ move to the Cowboys, bringing in former Green Bay Packers standout De’Vondre Campbell on a one year contract.
Although Kendricks chose not to sign with the 49ers, he will still have the chance to play at Levi’s Stadium as San Francisco hosts Dallas in a home game in 2024, with the date and time to be determined when the NFL releases its schedule. on May 9th.
