Why LB Kendricks turned down the 49ers to sign with the Cowboys originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
What exactly led to the veteran linebacker? Eric Kendricks’ decision sign with the Dallas Cowboys after supposedly accepting the terms with the 49ers?
When talking to Athletic’s Jon MachotaKendricks explained why the opportunity to play a more integral role in Dallas ultimately fueled his decision to leave. disdain San Francisco and sign with the Cowboys. (h/t 49ers web zone)
“I think I would have taken a more reserved role (in San Francisco), although I feel like I have a lot left to give and I wanted to be here and be a middle linebacker,” Kendricks told Machota. “I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership skills and command that group.”
With Fred Warner entrenched as the 49ers’ starting middle linebacker, the chances of Kendricks getting a chance to play substantial snaps at that 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 possibility of landing a larger role in Dallas and the opportunity to reunite with Zimmer, Kenricks’ decision to opt out of signing with San Francisco is understandable.
With Dre Greenlaw’s timetable for his return from a ruptured Achilles tendon still unclear, the 49ers pivoted to sign another former All-Pro linebacker in the wake of Kendricks’ move to the Cowboys, bringing in the former All-Pro standout. Green Bay Packers, De’Vondre Campbell. on a one year contract.
While Kendricks opted not to sign with the 49ers, he will still have the opportunity to play at Levi’s Stadium with San Francisco set to host Dallas in a home game in 2024, with the date and time to be determined when the NFL releases its schedule . May 9.
