Reports of Eric Kendricks’ deal with the 49ers were premature. ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday reported Kendricks was set to join the 49ers on a one-year deal. Later Wednesday afternoon Schefter reported Kendricks is backing out of the deal to sign with the Dallas Cowboys instead.
The move makes sense for Kendricks since the Cowboys defense is now run by Mike Zimmer, who was the Vikings’ head coach during part of Kendricks’ tenure in Minnesota. On the other hand, it leaves a gaping hole at linebacker that the 49ers still have to fill.
With Dre Greenlaw recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered in the Super Bowl, the 49ers will need a starting-caliber LB to line up alongside Fred Warner. 2023 draft picks Dee Winters and Jalen Graham may get opportunities to occupy that role, but neither is a proven commodity and would come with a ton of risk at a key position on the 49ers’ defense.
Linebacker was ostensibly crossed off the 49ers’ offseason to-do list when it looked like Kendricks would be joining them. Now they’ll be back in the LB market searching for a starter.
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