The San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of a bold decision that could shake their fanbase, as they are reportedly considering re-signing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, despite his shocking last-minute rejection of the team last year to join the Dallas Cowboys.
Background: The “Betrayal” That Disappointed 49ers Fans
Last year, the 49ers thought they had secured a deal with Eric Kendricks, an experienced linebacker with eight consecutive seasons of over 100 tackles while playing for the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers. However, at the eleventh hour, Kendricks changed his mind and signed with the Dallas Cowboys, leaving the 49ers’ coaching staff and fans stunned and disappointed. This move was seen as a “betrayal” by many fans, as the team had high hopes of adding him to fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw’s departure.
Kendricks, now 33, had an impressive 2024 season with the Cowboys, leading the team with 138 tackles and proving to be a reliable presence in their defense. However, as a free agent after the season, he has yet to find a new home, prompting teams like the 49ers to reconsider their options.
Why Do the 49ers Still Want Kendricks?
Dre Greenlaw’s departure to the Denver Broncos left a significant gap in the 49ers’ linebacker corps, where Fred Warner remains the sole cornerstone. Although the team drafted Nick Martin in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft and signed other free agents like Chazz Surratt and Stone Blanton, the lack of a seasoned, reliable linebacker remains a pressing issue.
Eric Kendricks, with his 10 years of NFL experience and consistent performance in both run and pass defense, is seen as an ideal candidate to add depth and leadership to the 49ers’ defense. According to Sports Illustrated, Kendricks is unlikely to command a high salary at this stage of free agency, making him an attractive target, especially with the 49ers boasting the third-most effective cap space in the league.
Moreover, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh appears to still value Kendricks’ skills, having coached him at the Senior Bowl. With his intelligent playstyle and field coverage, Kendricks could be the perfect complement to Fred Warner, who is projected to become the NFL’s highest-paid linebacker.
Fan Reactions: Shock and Controversy
The 49ers’ consideration of re-signing Kendricks is sure to spark mixed reactions from fans. Some may welcome the return of a high-caliber player like Kendricks, especially given the team’s need to strengthen their defense after a disappointing 2024 season with just six wins. However, many fans remain bitter about Kendricks’ “betrayal” last year when he spurned the 49ers for their rivals, the Cowboys. Posts on X from last season reflected strong disappointment, with some calling it a “major shock” when Kendricks changed his decision at the last moment.
Additionally, some argue that the 49ers should focus on developing younger talent like Nick Martin or Dee Winters instead of turning to a 33-year-old player who may be impacted by age. However, with his extensive playoff experience and consistent track record, Kendricks remains a compelling option if the 49ers want to quickly regain their competitive edge.
Is Kendricks Truly a Fit for the 49ers?
Despite the controversy, there’s no denying that Kendricks brings value both on and off the field. With a 75.2 grade from Pro Football Focus in the 2024 season, he ranked 27th out of 189 qualifying linebackers, proving he remains an effective player. His leadership qualities are also highly regarded, as he mentored younger talents like Marist Liufau and DeMarvion Overshown during his time with the Cowboys.
However, the 49ers must weigh their options carefully. Signing Kendricks could be a short-term fix, while the team is focused on building a sustainable defense with younger talents like Nick Martin and Stone Blanton. Furthermore, will Kendricks be willing to commit long-term to the 49ers after last year’s fiasco, or will he continue to explore other opportunities?
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers’ interest in Eric Kendricks is a bold move that carries both opportunity and risk. If successful, Kendricks could solidify the 49ers’ defense, bringing the stability and experience needed to compete in the 2025 season. However, signing a player who once “betrayed” the team could divide fans, especially with the memory of last year’s events still fresh. Can the 49ers overcome the controversy to make this a successful signing? Only time will tell.