Reports: Former All-Pro LB Eric Kendricks agrees to deal with 49ers

While the 49ers feel pretty good about their starting linebackers, it never hurts to have a third, with Eric Kendricks coming aboard.

Reports surfaced early Wednesday morning that the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal with LB Eric Kendricks. A former All-Pro, Kendricks adds much-needed depth in the middle of the defense. And with Dre Greenlaw undergoing a lengthy Achilles rehab this offseason, the 49ers can roll into 2024 a little more at ease. Further contract details have not been disclosed at this time.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first with the news Wednesday.

Biggest thought with the Eric Kendricks signing for the #49ers:

They get a proven starter next to Fred Warner that’ll allow Graham and Winters to ease in and Kendricks spent last season with Brandon Staley.

That’s 2 Staley players that the 49ers have signed in FA.

— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) March 13, 2024

Eric Kendricks, 32, is entering his 10th season in the NFL. He spent the first eight years with the Vikings, becoming an All-Pro in 2019.

The Clovis, CA native spent time with the Chargers in 2023, racking up 117 combined tackles. In total, Kendricks has accumulated over 1,000 tackles in his professional career, playing in 138 contests. He also has 19.5 sacks and 64 pass break-ups.

Per Pro Football Focus, Kendricks ranks 13th amongst LBs since 2020 (72.1), showing his productivity has never wafered.

The move also hints at an influence from new assistant head coach Brandon Staley. SF has signed two of his former players this week (Kendricks and Leonard Floyd), giving the new hire some familiarity with the new-look 49ers defense.

Key offseason dates for the San Francisco 49ers

• March 13 – The 2024 free agency signing period begins at 1 p.m. PST
• March 24-27 – Annual league meeting in Orlando
• April 25-27 – NFL Draft in Detroit

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