In a stunning turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly rekindled their interest in veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, a player who famously spurned the team last offseason to sign with the Dallas Cowboys. This move has sent shockwaves through the 49ers’ fanbase, given the rocky history between Kendricks and the organization. Despite the past, the 49ers see Kendricks as a potential solution to bolster their struggling linebacker corps, which has been plagued by injuries and departures. Let’s dive into why this reunion is both surprising and strategic, backed by the latest statistics and insights.
A Rocky History Revisited
Last offseason, Eric Kendricks had agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers, only to back out at the eleventh hour to join the Dallas Cowboys. According to reports, Kendricks believed he would be relegated to a reserve role with San Francisco, while Dallas offered him a more prominent position under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, his former coach with the Minnesota Vikings. This decision left a bitter taste for 49ers fans and management, with many feeling betrayed by Kendricks’ last-minute pivot.
Fast forward to June 2025, and the narrative has shifted. Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN) recently named Kendricks as the top free agent the 49ers should target ahead of training camp, citing his experience and run-stopping prowess as critical for a defense that ranked 26th in Defense+ in 2024. Despite the history, the 49ers appear willing to let bygones be bygones, driven by a desperate need to stabilize their linebacker unit.
Why Kendricks? The Numbers Tell the Story
The 49ers’ defense took a significant step backward in 2024, particularly against the run. They ranked 28th in EPA per rush and 25th in rushing success rate, a far cry from their dominant defensive performances in previous years. The departure of Dre Greenlaw to the Denver Broncos in free agency and the inconsistency of younger players like Dee Winters and rookie Nick Martin have left a void next to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
Enter Eric Kendricks, who, at 33, remains a productive force. In 2024 with the Cowboys, Kendricks posted a career-high 94 tackles with an impressive 25% tackle rate, showcasing his elite run-stopping ability. Over his 10-year NFL career, Kendricks has averaged 117 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and six passes defended per season. His 2024 season alone saw him record 139 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles, tying him for 13th in the NFL in tackles.
However, Kendricks’ coverage skills have waned, with his liabilities in pass defense becoming more pronounced last season. This weakness makes him a better fit as an early-down linebacker, potentially at the Sam linebacker (SLB) position, rather than the Will linebacker (WLB) role PFSN suggested. The SLB role would allow Kendricks to focus on stopping the run while minimizing his exposure in passing situations, where Winters and Martin could compete for snaps.
The Strategic Fit: Experience Over Youth
The 49ers’ linebacker depth is thin, with undersized youngsters like Winters and Martin vying for starting roles. While both show promise, their lack of experience was evident in 2024, as the team struggled to replace Greenlaw’s production. Kendricks, a former First-Team All-Pro (2019) with 1,036 career tackles and 18.5 sacks, brings a veteran presence that could stabilize the unit. His familiarity with high-pressure defenses, honed during eight seasons with the Vikings and stints with the Chargers and Cowboys, makes him an attractive option.
If signed, Kendricks would likely serve as a stopgap starter at SLB, providing insurance for Warner and mentoring the younger linebackers. His one-year, $3 million deal with Dallas in 2024 suggests he could be signed at a reasonable cost, aligning with the 49ers’ need to manage cap space ahead of Brock Purdy’s looming contract extension.
Fan Reaction and the Road Ahead
The prospect of Kendricks returning has sparked mixed reactions among 49ers fans. Social media posts on X reflect the surprise, with some fans expressing skepticism due to Kendricks’ previous snub, while others see his signing as a pragmatic move to address a glaring weakness. “Eric Kendricks back to the 49ers? After he ditched us? Bold move, but we need the help,” one user posted.
For the 49ers, the decision to pursue Kendricks signals a willingness to prioritize winning over pride. General manager John Lynch, who reportedly felt burned by Kendricks’ reversal last year, appears ready to move forward if it means improving a defense that lost nine starters this offseason. The addition of Kendricks could complement recent draft picks like Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins, who bolstered the run defense but lack pass-rush impact.
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers’ potential reunion with Eric Kendricks is a shocking yet calculated move to address their defensive woes. With a proven track record, including 139 tackles and three sacks in 2024, Kendricks offers the experience and run-stopping ability the 49ers desperately need. While his coverage deficiencies and rocky history with the team raise concerns, his fit as a Sam linebacker could provide stability and mentorship for a young roster. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on whether Kendricks and the 49ers can mend fences and forge a partnership that reignites San Francisco’s defensive dominance.