Cowboys Steal Eric Kendricks from 49ers: Inside the Stunning Reunion with Mike Zimmer

The former First-Team All-Pro had verbally agreed to a deal with the 49ers but was lured away by America’s Team.

Kendricks reunited with Zimmer to re-energize an injury-hit linebacker unit

Moreover, the Cowboys added a much-needed body to their linebacker room. The franchise dealt with key injuries to Leighton Vander Esch and DeMarvion Overshown in 2023, with the former announcing his early retirement in 2023.

Kendricks links up with his old head coach at the Minnesota Vikings, Mike Zimmer, who drafted and nurtured the rookie out of UCLA.

Zimmer was brought in to replace Dan Quinn who agreed to terms on a deal with the Washington Commanders to get another shot at the top job.

Quinn had no hesitation in stealing Cowboys’ free agents Tyler Biadasz and Dorance Armstrong to kick off his tenure at their NFC East rival.

Kendricks brings with him 1,036 tackles of experience to the Cowboys’ defensive side of the ball and he will be a leader within the confines of the locker room.

Zimmer has a familiar face that he can turn to and ask to be his voice within the huddle.

However, the two did not always see eye-to-eye and Kendricks has had to address the comments he made about his current head coach back in 2022.

When speaking to the Dallas Morning News about the comments he said ’emotions were very high’.

In 2022, the new Cowboys star said Zimmer ran a ‘fear-based organization’ in an attempt to get the best out of the players.

The new DC admitted that his reputation could be described as being a ‘jerk’, not shying away from the image surrounding him.

If Kendricks disliked Zimmer’s style of coaching, then why would he reject a move to the 2023 NFC number-one-seeded franchise?

The 32-year-old hinted at the heightened emotions but has expressed his excitement to work under his former head coach again.

“We’re very excited. It’s good to be back with him. I love his walkthroughs. I love the little ways he does things, the way he structures things, the level of detail, so I’m excited. I really am.”

The partnership will be crucial for the Dallas Cowboys’ success in 2024, as that side of the ball failed to match the explosive offense week in and week out.

Furthermore, Kendricks will serve as an imperative mentor to rookie Marist Liufau during his maiden NFL season.

For the Cowboys’ sake, it seems both player and coach have put their disagreements in the past and the pair are optimistic heading into the 2024 season.