Pretty much what we thought.
When the San Francisco 49ers were reported to have a deal done with free agent linebacker Eric Kendricks, it was seen as a great move. They had a question mark with linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s achilles tear and needed some insurance should there be setbacks in recovery.
Then, within hours, Kendricks instead signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Well, that was sudden. And strange. What gives?
Per the Athletic’s Jon Machota, Kendricks met with reporters for the first time since the signing and elaborated on why he made the decision to choose the Cowboys at the last minute.
“I think I would’ve taken more of a reserved role (in San Francisco),” Kendricks said, “where as I feel I have a lot left to give and I wanted to be here and be middle linebacker. I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership abilities and command that huddle.”
Along with the contributions, it’s also worth reminding everyone that his former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is with the Cowboys as well, so that also played into it.
All of this shouldn’t be shocking. Back in March I speculated that this may have been the factor in Kendricks’ last-minute decision to bail on the 49ers. Dre Greenlaw possibly returning at training camp was great for fans, but not for a competitive linebacker like Kendricks who wants to be commanding a huddle and starting every Sunday. Knowing a veteran player like Leighton Vander Esch was retiring as opposed to someone like Greenlaw returning probably meant he’d have an easier time not just making the roster, but securing a starting role. Which makes total sense and is understandable. He’s on a one-year deal and is looking to get paid in 2025. Hard to get there if you are sharing time with 49ers veterans.
So if you think of it from that standpoint, the decision, while crummy to fans, makes complete sense for a player like Kendricks who wants a chance at seeing the field and to make the most of his opportunity.
Now we just hope Dre Greenlaw will be ready to go by Week 1. In full Greenlaw mode, of course.
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