FRISCO – Dallas Cowboys fans have good reason to be scoffing at the moment, and new middle linebacker Eric Kendricks has scrapped plans to sign with the San Francisco 49ers and is instead an NFL free agent. There is even reason to ridicule the reason for his surprising decision to participate. An agent is coming to The Star.
“I'm happy to be back in Coach Jim's system,” Kendricks said of the appeal of rejoining former Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer, now Dallas' defensive coordinator.
“At the end of the day, our ultimate goal is to play our best football and win a championship, and that's why I'm back with him.”
“Win a Championship”? Not in the mood for Cowboys Nation at the moment as fans react to a series of no-deals and one-year deals to support our “Blow It Up!” (and rebuild) It seems that. 2025) Theory. (Incidentally, Kendricks' contract is conventional; only $2.5 million is guaranteed per season here.)
But why should a top-level player — Kendricks, now 32 and an All-Pro selection with Zimmer's Vikings in 2019 — have to approach it any other way?
That's been the case for the last few games, but the Cowboys got one the other way earlier this week.
Kendricks agreed to terms on a contract with the 49ers on Monday. However, his conversation on DallasCowboys.com was very much about “playing middle linebacker for the Cowboys,” so maybe his defined role wasn't entirely accurate. yeah.
“I felt like it was a really difficult decision,” Kendricks said. “(The 49ers) are a great organization and a great program there. Ultimately, I wanted the opportunity to play against Mike and bet on myself. Especially at this point in my career, I have a lot to prove. “He's making great moves. To be able to play with Mike with this defense and the players on this defense was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I'm very happy with this decision. Is pleased”
CowboysSI.com has frequently noted that while Kendricks and Zimmer enjoyed success together, players commented on and disapproved of their coach's “fear” style of leadership, but Kendricks also I mentioned that.
“Yeah, I feel like Jim and I have butted heads at some point,” Kendricks said. “Just the fact that I'm back with him tells me that I believe in him, he believes in me, and that we want to get the job done. Ultimately. Our ultimate goal is to play our best football and win championships, and that's why I'm back with him. ”
