Linebacker Eric Kendricks declined an offer from the San Francisco 49ers and instead chose to sign with the Dallas Cowboys due to a combination of factors including team culture, defensive scheme fit, and the Cowboys’ championship aspirations. Despite interest from the 49ers, Kendricks felt that the Cowboys provided a better environment for his playing style and offered a more promising opportunity to contribute to a successful team. The decision also could have been influenced by the presence of key personnel or coaches that Kendricks wanted to work with in Dallas. Ultimately, the move to the Cowboys aligned better with his career goals and personal preferences.
Eric Kendricks changed his mind about joining the San Francisco 49ers and instead signed with the Dallas Cowboys because he felt he could play a more significant role in the Cowboys’ defense. Kendricks spoke to The Athletic’s Jon Machota and highlighted that the chance to contribute in Dallas’s defensive scheme and be a key part of their success was a big factor in his decision. Although he reportedly had agreed to terms with the 49ers, the opportunity to have a larger impact with the Cowboys made him reconsider, leading him to ultimately sign with Dallas. (Source: 49ers Webzone)
“I think I would’ve taken more of a reserved role [in San Francisco], whereas I feel I have a lot left to give, and I wanted to be here and be middle linebacker,” Kendricks told Machota. “I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership abilities, and command that huddle.”
With Fred Warner entrenched as the 49ers’ starting middle linebacker, the odds 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.
Eric Kendricks’ decision to join the Dallas Cowboys instead of the San Francisco 49ers can be explained by the opportunity for a more significant role in Dallas, as well as a chance to reunite with coach Mike Zimmer. Given these factors, his choice to turn down the 49ers makes sense.
The 49ers, facing uncertainty with Dre Greenlaw’s recovery timeline from a ruptured Achilles, had to adjust their plans. To fill the gap left by Kendricks’ change of heart, they signed De’Vondre Campbell, a former All-Pro linebacker from the Green Bay Packers, on a one-year contract. This move aimed to provide the 49ers with a solid veteran presence as they navigate Greenlaw’s recovery and prepare for the upcoming season.
While Kendricks opted to not sign with the 49ers, he still will have the chance 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 on May 9.
