Mychal Kendricks

Latest On Mychal Kendricks

June 3rd, 2018 at 5:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

Mychal Kendricks emphatically said he remains a free agent, despite a report earlier Sunday that tabbed the linebacker as Cleveland-bound. However, this process may still be headed toward that conclusion.

The former Eagles linebacker vehemently denied the report he’s agreed to terms with the Browns, but Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Kendricks is close to signing with Cleveland. She adds the deal is expected to be done by Monday.

The older brother of Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter links) he’s still on the market, but if Cabot’s report is accurate, he may not be for long. If the 27-year-old off-ball linebacker does end up with the Browns, his staunch denial he’d agreed to Cleveland’s terms will signify an interesting start to his tenure with the franchise.

Cleveland remains the favorite to land the linebacker, per agent Doug Hendrickson (via Jordan Schultz of Yahoo.com, on Twitter), and NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Derrick Gunn reports Kendricks texted him he’s still negotiating with “a number of teams” (Twitter link).

Kendricks visited the Browns, Vikings and Raiders. Should he join the Browns, he’d be part of one of the better (and more expensive) sets of linebacking contingents in the game considering Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey are already tied to the Browns long-term. Although the Browns have eight-figure-per-year payments lined up for both Collins and Kirksey, they have by far the most cap space in the league at $69MM-plus. The Vikings hold $17.6MM, and the Raiders sit at barely $2MM.

Browns To Sign LB Mychal Kendricks?

June 3rd, 2018 at 3:37pm CST by Dallas Robinson

3:37pm: Kendricks denies that he’s signed with the Browns, tweets Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

2:14pm: The Browns have agreed to sign free agent linebacker Mychal Kendricks to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Kendricks, who was released by the Eagles on May 22, drew immediate interest on the open market, and took meetings with both the Raiders and Vikings before visiting the Browns on Friday. After leaving Oakland and Minnesota without a contract, Kendricks has now landed a single-season pact with Cleveland, a deal which will allow the 27-year-old to hit free agency again next spring.

At first glance, the Browns are something of an odd fit for Kendricks, as Cleveland already employs two linebackers — Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert — who played 100% of the club’s defensive snaps a year ago. Jamie Collins is expected to return from injury as a full-time player, leaving even less potential playing time for Kendricks. A future trade could hypothetically be possible, but both Kirksey and Collins recently signed long-term deals with the Browns, while Schobert is under contract at cheap rates for the next two seasons.

Cleveland still has the most salary cap space in the NFL (Over the Cap listed the Browns with nearly $70MM in reserves prior to the Kendricks signing), so perhaps the club is merely looking to add depth. Oakland and Minnesota are also largely set at linebacker, meaning Kendricks may have experienced limited playing time in either of those destinations, so he likely accepted his largest financial offer. And while Kendricks hasn’t typically been a special teams ace, he did play roughly 30% of the Eagles’ ST snaps in 2016, so he can be a factor there.

Long a subject of trade rumors, Kendricks appeared in 15 games and made 13 starts for Philadelphia in 2017. A season-ending injury to fellow linebacker Jordan Hicks allowed Kendricks to reclaim his spot in the Eagles’ starting lineup, and he subsequently posted 51 tackles and two sacks while grading as the NFL’s No. 9 linebacker, per Pro Football Focus.

Browns Meet With Mychal Kendricks

June 1st, 2018 at 1:56pm CST by Zachary Links

The Browns will meet with linebacker Mychal Kendricks on Friday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The Browns scheduled a visit with Kendricks earlier this week and his powwow with the team means that his previous meetings with the Vikings and Raiders have not yielded a deal – at least, not yet.

Kendricks, ostensibly, is looking for a decent payout on his next deal. He also says that he’s looking for significant playing time.

“I kind of understood the situation,’ Kendricks told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “It’s something that I’ve been asking for. … I didn’t ask to be released but I asked for a trade a year prior to this. So, yeah, I’m trying to be in a situation where I can play a big role and really contribute.”

With the Browns, Kendricks would join a linebacker group that is presently headlined by Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey, Joe Schobert, and James Burgess. The Browns may also represent his best opportunity at a big payday as they are armed with a league-high $71MM in cap space. That’s significantly more money to work with than most teams and nearly $20MM more than the Colts, who have the second-most cap room in the NFL.

Last year, Kendricks had 51 tackles and two sacks in 15 games for the Eagles. He also earned a start in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory and finished the game with four tackles.

AFC Notes: Kendricks, Raiders, Colts, Simon

May 31st, 2018 at 2:12pm CST by Zachary Links

Mychal Kendricks‘ left his visit with the Raiders on Wednesday without signing a deal, as Vic Tafur of The Athletic tweets. With that in mind, Kendricks’ scheduled visit with the Browns should take place this week.

Kendricks has been vocal about his desire to play with his brother in Minnesota, but the Vikings’ level of interest is not immediately clear following their meeting. Minnesota arguably would give Kendricks the easiest path towards another Super Bowl ring, but the Browns – armed with upwards of $70MM in cap room – could be the highest bidder of the bunch. The Raiders, meanwhile, would have to do some maneuvering to sign Kendricks given that they have just $1.7MM in cap room.

Here’s more from the AFC:

The Colts could conceivably cut John Simon this summer, Stephen Holder of the Indy Star writes. Simon performed well in an injury-shortened 2017, but new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is looking to play him at defensive end rather than middle or strong-side linebacker. Simon, listed at (a perhaps inflated) 6’2″and 260 pounds, is undersized for DE and may not have the speed needed to get around pass blockers. Given that Simon is now battling with edge rushers like Jabaal Sheard, Tarell Basham, Kemoko Turay, Chris McCain, Tyquan Lewis, it’s possible that he might not make the final cut. Simon, who signed a three-year, $14MM deal with the Colts just last year, has no guaranteed money remaining on his deal. The Colts would save $3.28MM against the cap by releasing Simon.
Darryl Slater of NJ.com estimates that any suspension for Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson would be of the shorter variety. Recently, Florida prosecutors dropped felony charges against Anderson, though he still faces six charges stemming from a January incident in which he was arrested and threatened to sexually assault the wife of a police officer.

Extra Points: Kendricks, Eagles, McCain, Seahawks

May 29th, 2018 at 9:53pm CST by Ben Levine

Mychal Kendricks visited with the Vikings earlier today. While the free agent left without an offer, it sounds like he’d certainly welcome playing in Minnesota. After all, it’d provide the linebacker with an opportunity to play with his brother, Eric Kendricks.

“Oh, man, it’d be a dream come true. I’d be awesome. That’s my best friend,” the former Eagles defender told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link). “To strive for a championship (with Eric) would be awesome…Playing with my bro would be cool, and it’s a rare opportunity.’’

Predictably, Kendricks indicated that his brother is putting on the full-court press when it comes to recruiting.

“He’s doing all that he can,” Kendricks said (Twitter link). “He’s let me know what the team’s all about…But he knows in the end I’m going to make my decision based off the things that are presented to me.’’

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the league…

Kendricks, who was released by the Eagles last week, said he wasn’t surprised by the transaction. “I didn’t ask to be released but I asked for a trade a year prior to this,” he told Tomasson (via Twitter). “[S]o, yeah, I’m trying to be in a situation where I can play big role and really contribute.’’
Dolphins‘ cornerback Bobby McCain had a breakout campaign in 2017, rating out as one of Pro Football Focus’ top players at the position. The former fifth-rounder finished the campaign having compiled 48 tackles, one sack, seven passes defended, and two interceptions. After such a productive season, reporters naturally asked the 24-year-old if he’s been approached about an extension. “I mean, I um, I mean I…” McCain stammered (via Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald). “No, I’m just going out and trying to play my best ball.” The defensive back is an impending free agent, but the Dolphins currently have little money to work with… until this weekend, when the team will free up $17MM in cap space due to the Ndamukong Suh move.
For what it’s worth, it sounds like McCain is more focused on helping his team succeed. “It’s a contract year,” McCain said. “There’s no secret at the end of the day, but me personally, I think just go out and play. If you go out and play ball, it will end up well for you at the end of the day. You win ballgames, everybody gets paid. Period. That’s just how it is. You go out, take a team to the playoffs, go deep in the playoffs, go to the Super Bowl, everybody gets paid.”
Players are starting to get used to Seahawks new offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer. It’s the first time for many of these players (including Russell Wilson and Doug Baldwin) playing under a new coordinator, but the offensive standouts are excited for the opportunity. “It has been a change, obviously,” Baldwin told John Boyle of Seahawks.com. “We’re excited about it though. There’s two ways you can go with the unknown: you can be fearful of it or you can be excited about it. With a lot of new faces, the young guys, a new system, a new, different energy, we’re excited about it. We’ve got an opportunity to put something special together again—I don’t want to say starting over—but kind of reloading if you will. It’s an exciting time for us.”

Mychal Kendricks To Visit Browns, Raiders

May 29th, 2018 at 6:49pm CST by Ben Levine

We learned earlier today that former Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks met with the Vikings, and it sounds like he’s got several more visits on his docket. Chris Tomasson of St. Paul Pioneer Press reports (via Twitter) that the free agent will also visit with the Raiders and Browns. The 27-year-old expects to make a decision before the end of the week.

It didn’t take long for Kendricks, who was released by the Eagles last week, to start garnering some suitors. While the former second-rounder’s production has dropped the past two seasons, he’d still be a solid veteran presence for any team. After requesting a trade prior to the 2017 season, Kendricks went on to compile 51 tackles and two sacks in 15 games (13 starts) for Philly. He also earned a start during his team’s Super Bowl victory, finishing the game with four tackles.

While their depth charts are in good shape, the Browns and Raiders could use an additional body at linebacker. Jamie Collins, Joe Schobert, and Christian Kirksey are slotted in as Cleveland’s starting grouping. The latter two were solid in 2017, and Collins is the most accomplished of the three, but Kendricks could compete for a starting gig. Meanwhile, the Raiders have three free agent additions – Tahir Whitehead, Derrick Johnson, and Emmanuel Lamur – penciled in as their starters, so another free agent addition (Kendricks) would provide additional competition at the position.

Tomasson also passes along (via Twitter) that the Vikings haven’t made a definitive offer to Kendricks. When asked about Minnesota’s salary cap constraints, the linebacker acknowledged that he hasn’t “even thought that far.”

Mychal Kendricks Visits Vikings

May 29th, 2018 at 4:22pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Former Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks is in Minnesota to visit the Vikings, reports Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune (Twitter link). Kendricks was released by the defending champs last week after spending the first six years of his career in Philadelphia.

Kendricks’ trip to Minnesota marks his first known visit since becoming a free agent. Kendricks’ release came as a surprise to some, but his relationship with the Eagles had been worsening for a while. After a dip in playing time in 2016, he requested a trade before the 2017 season started but his request was denied. Kendricks went on to have a pretty good season, receiving very high marks from Pro Football Focus. He ended up starting the Super Bowl, notching four tackles in the Eagles’ win over the Patriots.

Still able to play at a high level, Kendricks should have his pick of teams to play for. One possible angle drawing him to the Vikings is that his little brother Eric Kendricks currently plays for Minnesota.

The Vikings are currently a bit thin at inside linebacker, and could definitely use Kendricks. As one of the biggest name free agents left on the market, word on his decision should be coming sooner rather than later.

Kendricks, 28 in September, totaled 73 tackles and two sacks in 15 games last year. He also notched 16 tackles in the playoffs as the Eagles captured their first ever Super Bowl win.

NFC West Rumors: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

May 23rd, 2018 at 9:26pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While the NFL announced its new national anthem policy as a unanimous decision, only 31 teams actually voted on the measure. 49ers owner Jed York said his club abstained from voting on the change, which will penalize teams if any of their players do not stand for the national anthem, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press tweets. In a related move, York indicated the 49ers will close concession stands during the anthem. “I don’t think we should profit during the national anthem if we’re going to ask people to be respectful,” York said, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com (Twitter link). York supported his former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, as the progenitor of the national anthem protest movement, so his stance on the matter at hand shouldn’t be too surprising.

Here’s more from the NFC West:

While the Rams seemingly upgraded at nearly every conceivable position this offseason, the club’s linebacker depth chart is still relatively weak after it traded Alec Ogletree to the Giants earlier this year. Nevertheless, don’t expect Los Angeles to be a major suitor for free agent ‘backer Mychal Kendricks, who was released by the Eagles on Monday, according to Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News (Twitter link). Cory Littleton, Ramik Wilson, and rookie fifth-rounder Micah Kiser are among the candidates to play opposite entrenched starter Mark Barron, and the Rams are content to let those contenders battle for playing time. Kendricks, for his part, shouldn’t want for interest, as he’s the most coveted linebacker on the open market at present.
Seahawks offensive tackle George Fant, who suffered a torn ACL last August, is progressing normally and should be available for the start of the 2018 campaign, as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times writes. Fant may even be ready for training camp, as the early nature of his injury has allowed him to recover in time for this summer’s activities. Seattle’s starting left tackle for 10 games in 2016, won’t have any chance of re-claiming that spot during the upcoming season, as the Seahawks have since acquired veteran Duane Brown to hold down the blindside. However, Fant will work as a reserve on the left side, and could even compete with former first-round pick Germain Ifedi for playing time at right tackle.
Reuben Foster will now be welcome back to the 49ers’ facilities after the domestic violence charges against him were dropped earlier today, and San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan had been in regular contact before today’s decision, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Shanahan revealed he’d been talking to Foster once or twice per week during his ongoing legal case, enabling him to check in on the linebacker’s state of mind.

East Rumors: Kendricks, Jets, Patriots

May 22nd, 2018 at 9:53pm CST by Sam Robinson

The long-rumored Mychal Kendricks/Eagles divorce will officially be classified as a post-June 1 cut, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. The defending Super Bowl champions will see a $6MM cap spike on June 2 instead of seeing $4.4MM in savings by eschewing the post-June 1 cut category. That will help a franchise that, as of Tuesday night, holds barely $300K in cap space. As for why Kendricks was finally axed after years of being the subject of trade rumors, the defender’s standing as the No. 3 linebacker on a team that spends most of its time in sub-packages was not a status he preferred, per Zach Berman of Philly.com (on Twitter). Former Eagles teammate Emmanuel Acho, indicating he spoke with Kendricks on Tuesday, confirmed as much (via Twitter).

During Chip Kelly‘s year running football operations, the Eagles signed Kendricks to a four-year, $29MM extension that ran through the 2019 season. But Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham, the latter being recently re-signed for $40MM over five years, reside as Philly’s top-two linebackers under optimal circumstances. Kendricks played a key role in the Eagles’ first Super Bowl title, stepping in alongside Bradham after Hicks went down, but the previous status quo is now back in place. And Kendricks should be a coveted commodity on the market.

Here’s the latest on Tuesday’s other big transaction, as well as more from some eastern-based franchises.

The Jets tried to trade Christian Hackenberg during the draft, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports. This began after Sam Darnold went to the Jets at No. 3, per Cimini, but judging by the terms of Tuesday’s trade, no strong interest came New York’s way for its 2016 second-round pick. “We had one too many (quarterbacks) to get all of them reps,” Todd Bowles said Tuesday. “We just want to go with the three quarterbacks we have and let these guys battle it out. … I like the talent (Hackenberg) had. Obviously, it didn’t cultivate here. Sometimes it takes a team or two or three to find your spot.” After cutting Bryce Petty and trading Hackenberg, Gang Green’s quarterback setup is clear now. Darnold, Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater will likely be the team’s three passers heading into training camp. However, as Calvin Watkins of Newsday notes (on Twitter), Bowles aid the Jets are open to adding another quarterback. This could be contingent on Bridgewater’s health.
Despite these circumstances centering around one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Bill Belichick still opted for a time-honored cliche. Asked if he’s spoken to Tom Brady, the 19th-year Patriots coach said via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter), “I’m not going to talk about the people that aren’t here. The guys who are here are improving, they’re working hard. Those are the guys we’re going to focus on.” Brady remains absent from OTAs, and the 19th-year quarterback is rumored to want a revised contract. With Josh McDaniels spurning the Colts and remaining in place as OC, New England’s system likely will not change much, lessening the impact of Brady missing these voluntary workouts.
Recent Hall of Fame inductee Brian Dawkins will step down from his role in the Eagles front office, James Palmer of NFL.com tweets. The former Eagles safety will stay on as a part-time consultant.

Eagles Release LB Mychal Kendricks

May 22nd, 2018 at 2:44pm CST by Zachary Links

The Eagles releasing linebacker Mychal Kendricks, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Kendricks has spent the last six years with the Eagles, but he has been the subject of trade rumors for years.

Kendricks is expected to draw interest on the open market, though teams will want to take a close look at his ankle after he underwent a minor operation this offseason.

Kendricks’ place on the roster was once again put into flux this year when the defending champs re-signed linebacker Nigel Bradham. Bradham’s deal is worth $40MM over five years, which made Kendricks’ $5.85MM scheduled salary unpalatable. By releasing Kendricks, the Eagles will save $4.4MM in cap space with $3.2MM in dead money.

Kendricks, 28 in September, amassed 73 tackles and two sacks in 15 games in 2017. He also added 16 tackles in the postseason as the Eagles captured their first ever Super Bowl title.

It was arguably the best season of the veteran’s career as he placed as Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 ranked linebacker in the NFL, ahead of notables like NaVorro Bowman, Vontaze Burfict, and Danny Trevathan.

Without Kendricks, the Eagles may try Corey Nelson, Kamu Grugier-Hill, and rookie Josh Sweat at strongside linebacker. It also wouldn’t be surprise to see them look at the free agent market for linebacker help, particularly after middle linebacker Paul Worrilow was diagnosed with a torn ACL.

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