The Minnesota Vikings defense doesn't need any help right now, but a former star is getting another shot to extend his career. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Rams announced they have signed former Minnesota All-Pro linebacker Eric Kendricks to their practice squad.
Kendricks was a second-round pick of the Vikings in 2015. He spent the first eight seasons of his career in Minnesota as a pillar of Mike Zimmer's defenses, posting 100-plus tackles in each of his last seven seasons in Purple. In 2019, he earned a First-Team All-Pro nod and the lone Pro Bowl nod of his career.
Kendricks' final season as a Viking was Kevin O'Connell's first as head coach. Despite starting all 17 games and leading the team with 137 total tackles that season, he was released in March of 2023.
Kendricks spent the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, totaling 117 tackles and 3.5 sacks over 15 games (14 starts). By the eye test and PFF's assessment (No. 28 by overall grade among 83 qualifying linebackers), he was just about as good as he had been as a Viking.
Kendricks moved on to the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, extending his streak of 100-plus tackle campaigns with a career-high 138 along with three sacks over 15 games. PFF was once again complementary of his work, grading him out as a top-15 linebacker by overall grade.
Kendricks was without a team until very deep into last season, when the San Francisco 49ers signed him to their practice squad in late November after they suffered multiple linebacker injuries.
He played three regular-season games for them, starting one, with six total tackles. He then started and played every defensive snap in both of the 49ers' playoff games, with 19 total tackles.
Eric Kendricks gets another chance to keep his career going
A native of Clovis, California, and a UCLA alum, Kendricks will get a shot to keep his career going by suiting up for another team in his home state.
In terms of fit on the Rams, kick coverage units have continued to be an issue early this season, and Kendricks played a total of 52 special teams snaps over his five total games for the 49ers last season. He also played at least 55 special teams snaps in all eight of his seasons as a Viking.
Rams starting linebacker Nate Landman has also been banged up lately, so Kendricks adds some experienced depth. Another linebacker, Elias Neal, is also down to one more practice squad elevation before he'd have to be signed to the 53-man roster.
However, the opportunity takes shape with the Rams, Kendricks is set to suit up for a 12th NFL season and a fourth season after the Vikings let him go.
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