Premature reports surfaced regarding Eric Kendricks’ contract with the 49ers. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Kendricks will be signing a one-year contract to play with the 49ers. Later on Wednesday afternoon, according to Schefter, Kendricks is abandoning the contract in order to join with the Dallas Cowboys.
Given that Mike Zimmer, the head coach of the Cowboys defense, also served as head coach of the Vikings for a portion of Kendricks’ time in Minnesota, the move makes sense for the player. However, it creates a huge need at linebacker that has to be filled by the 49ers.
The 49ers will need a starting-caliber LB to square up with Fred Warner as Dre Greenlaw heals from an Achilles injury he sustained in the Super Bowl. Dee Winters and Jalen Graham, the 49ers’ 2023 draft selections, could have the chance to fill that position, but neither player is a proven player and doing so would carry a great deal of risk at a crucial defensive position.
The 49ers appeared to have checked linebacker off their offseason must-do list when it appeared Kendricks would be joining them. They will now return to the LB market in quest of a starter.