In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, the San Francisco 49ers have brought back a familiar face—or rather, one that almost was. On November 27, 2025, the team announced the signing of veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to their practice squad, a move that comes over a year after he famously backed out of a deal with the 49ers to join the Dallas Cowboys instead. To make room, the 49ers released rookie linebacker Stone Blanton from the practice squad, signaling a shift toward experience amid ongoing injury woes.
This roster shakeup couldn’t come at a better time for the injury-plagued 49ers, who have been one of the most battered teams in the league this season. While the team has gradually regained health, the linebacker position remains a sore spot. Star linebacker Fred Warner’s absence has left a gaping hole, and with Tatum Bethune sidelined and Luke Gifford not fully recovered, depth has become a critical need. Enter Kendricks, whose return feels like a plot twist in a Hollywood script.
The Backstory: A Jilted Signing and a Cowboys Detour
Rewind to the 2024 offseason: Kendricks, then a free agent, had initially agreed to terms with the 49ers, raising hopes for a bolstered defense. However, in a surprising reversal, he opted out of the deal and signed with the Dallas Cowboys, leaving San Francisco fans and front office scratching their heads. The move was seen as a snub, with Kendricks citing a better fit in Dallas under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, his former coach from the Minnesota Vikings.
Fast forward to 2024, and Kendricks proved his worth on the field for the Cowboys. Starting in 15 games, the 33-year-old delivered a standout performance: 138 tackles, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His production was a bright spot for Dallas, showcasing the veteran savvy that made him a Pro Bowl selection in 2019 and a reliable tackler throughout his career.
Kendricks’ Illustrious Career: A Decade of Dominance
Originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (45th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, Kendricks has built a resume that any linebacker would envy. Over 10 seasons with the Vikings (2015-22), Los Angeles Chargers (2023), and Cowboys (2024), he’s appeared in 147 games (142 starts), amassing 1,174 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 11 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 60 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries.
His postseason experience is equally impressive, with 43 tackles, seven passes defensed, 1.0 sack, and one interception across six playoff games. A native of Clovis, CA, Kendricks honed his skills at UCLA from 2010-14, where he racked up 405 tackles, 13 passes defensed, 8.0 sacks, five interceptions (one for a touchdown), four forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries in 38 games.
If Kendricks suits up for the 49ers this season—his 11th in the NFL—he’ll add even more to those gaudy numbers. For now, he’s on the practice squad, where he can be elevated to the active roster up to three times before requiring a permanent spot.
Farewell to Rookie Stone Blanton
To accommodate Kendricks, the 49ers parted ways with Stone Blanton, a 6-1, 227-pound rookie who had joined the practice squad just over a week ago on November 19, 2025. Blanton, an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina, showed promise in college but hadn’t yet made a significant impact at the pro level. His release underscores the team’s urgency for proven talent over developmental prospects as they push through the season’s final stretch.
What This Means for the 49ers
The signing of Kendricks isn’t just a depth move—it’s a statement. With the linebacker room decimated by injuries, his experience and production could be the spark San Francisco needs to solidify their defense. Whether this “unthinkable” reunion leads to on-field success remains to be seen, but it’s a reminder that in the NFL, second chances can come full circle.
Fans are already buzzing about the potential impact, especially as the 49ers gear up for crucial games ahead. Will Kendricks stick this time and help propel the team to playoff glory? Only time will tell, but for now, the unthinkable has indeed happened. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.