A cap casualty for a second straight year, Eric Kendricks will once again secure an immediate opportunity elsewhere. The 2023 Chargers starter will head north.
The 49ers are adding the nine-year veteran linebacker, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets. This comes after the Bolts moved on from Kendricks’ two-year contract last week. Kendricks will bring some insurance for the 49ers, who played most of Super Bowl LVIII without Dre Greenlaw, who suffered an Achilles tear while trotting onto the field. This will represent another California stop for Kendricks, a Fresno native who played collegiately at UCLA.
Last year, Kendricks commanded a two-year, $13.25MM Chargers deal shortly after his Vikings release. Last season, the eight-year Minnesota starter continued his run of solid production by registering 117 tackles (seven for loss) and 3.5 sacks. The former second-round pick added a forced fumble and six passes defensed, also finishing his season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 25 overall linebacker.
A key presence at middle linebacker during the Vikings’ Mike Zimmer era, Kendricks was tied to an eight-figure-per-year Minnesota deal two seasons ago. Kendricks, 32, has put together eight straight seasons with 100-plus tackles, mixing in 18.5 career sacks. He earned first-team All-Pro acclaim in 2019, helping the Vikings to the divisional round, while starting for four playoff teams from 2015-22. Kendricks figures to have another chance as a playoff contributor, but the 49ers have two three-down linebackers in place.
After one of the stranger injuries in recent NFL history, Greenlaw underwent surgery last month. The 49ers certainly missed their three-down ‘backer’s presence in a narrow loss to the Chiefs, and a reserve/PUP list stay — based on the timing of the injury — would not be out of the question. Kendricks would stand to serve as the team’s top Fred Warner complement in the meantime. Even if Greenlaw can recover in time for Week 1, the 49ers have a veteran in place as protection following the ill-timed setback.
Jackpot
Change of plans