FRISCO – Now you can see why many Cowboys watchers were somehow predicting that Dallas might pull off an “obvious” signing with Eric Kendricks, who was recently cut by the Minnesota Vikings.
Hey, he was once an All-Pro under head coach Mike Zimmer. …And Zimmer is now in Dallas, where a cost-friendly run-stopping linebacker is needed.
That's “obvious”, right?
Not so for Kendricks.
Kendricks is 32 years old, on the back end of his career, and just landed a job with a Cowboys rival in San Francisco…and any misconceptions about how the player feels about Zimmer are worth clarifying.
When Minnesota fired Zimmer in January 2022, Kendricks was asked about his relationship with Zimmer. His response included saying the team “lacks a culture that puts communication at the forefront.” …It’s important to listen to and consider each other’s opinions. ”
“I don't think fear-based organizations are the way to go,” Kendricks said.
Does this sound like someone who is actively seeking a reunion?
This statement doesn't necessarily mean that Kendricks and Zimmer would have had a problem reuniting. Kendricks successfully defended Zimmer and served as team captain. There were also positive points.
“We put in a lot of effort together and had great results,” Kendricks said of himself and Zimmer at the time.
But he added: I think that's the question you should ask him. ”
So…what that means is that Zimmer wants everyone to know he's not an “idiot” (although we've known this guy for 30 years) , that's true. He's not “stupid”) – Tough guy. And a demanding man. And over time, yes, he can rub players the wrong way.
Certainly, Kendricks would fit into Zimmer's defensive system currently in place in Dallas. And certainly, Zimmer is the driving force here.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said: “He's not a bully. He's an outspoken person…I think everyone needs that.”
But Eric Kendricks just decided what he needed to do was sign with the 49ers.
