ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that linebacker Eric Kendricks has backed out of his agreement to join the San Francisco 49ers and will instead sign with the Dallas Cowboys.
Another change of heart: after agreeing to a deal with the 49ers, former Chargers and Vikings LB Eric Kendricks has decided to go to the Dallas Cowboys instead, per sources. Mike Zimmer wanted Kendricks to help run his defense and Kendricks preferred to play in Dallas. https://t.co/NfBUIPT0c6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024
Early Wednesday morning, it was reported that Kendricks and the 49ers had agreed to terms on a one-year deal after the Los Angeles Chargers released the linebacker on March 5. Kendricks's signing was considered an insurance policy for Dre Greenlaw, who suffered a torn Achilles last month in the Super Bowl.
It's unclear what prompted the about-face. Last year, Kendricks praised the 49ers defense, saying, "Oh, man, they're flying around. They've got a bunch of great players, obviously, but it's a mindset. Like I said, we practiced against them (while with the Vikings). It's definitely a mindset."
The 49ers have two linebackers who became free agents: Oren Burks and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. San Francisco will now need to pivot to another plan to replace Greenlaw should he miss significant time during the 2024 season.