A change of heart.
Linebacker Eric Kendricks, who the San Francisco 49ers had an agreement to sign Wednesday, has chosen to flake on the 49ers in favor of signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Kendricks was an excellent signing at the time for the 49ers.
He was going to be the placeholder for Dre Greenlaw as he works his way back from a torn Achilles. Filling in for Greenlaw with Kendricks would’ve shrunk the hole, but now he heads for Dallas. As much as it stings to be flaked on, it makes total sense for Kendricks to sign with the Cowboys instead of the 49ers.
For starters, whatever he ends up getting paid (I’d bet it is more than the 49ers offered), he will practically make more thanks to the no state income tax in Texas. Playing for the 49ers would’ve gouged his salary. So, he gets more bang for his buck playing in Dallas.
Second, he gets familiarity playing under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Kendricks played for Zimmer back during their time with the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2021. That relationship is clearly something Kendricks cares for heavily, and really it is something that a lot of free agents use in their decision to sign with a team.
Lastly, Kendricks will be able to be an indefinite starter for the Cowboys. He wasn’t going to get that with the 49ers. All he was going to be was a placeholder for Greenlaw. Now, maybe he holds onto it longer if he plays well, but that isn’t a guarantee. And what happens if Greenlaw is making an amazingly fast recovery?
At least in Dallas he gets to be the starter without worrying about who is behind him. Playing time will mean everything to him in 2024 since he is on a one-year deal. He will be a free agent again, so being on a team where he maximizes his playing time and with a familiar coach is the most ideal when he hits free agency in 2025.
The 49ers will now look for another veteran placeholder or maybe this is a sign for them to go with their young linebackers in Dee Winters and Jalen Graham.
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