49ers Could Attempt to Sign Veteran LB Again

The 49ers had an agreement in place with this veteran linebacker last year, so perhaps they will attempt to sign him again.

Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; after the game San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks (50) shake hands at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images | Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Linebacker will become a razor-thin position for the 49ers if Dre Greenlaw walks in free agency.

Early signs indicate that Greenlaw will not be back with the 49ers. They should do almost whatever it takes to bring him back, but it might not be a reality that will come to fruition. So, the 49ers will need to look elsewhere.

They can’t sit on their hands and wait for the NFL draft to address the position. Signing a linebacker in free agency will have to happen. One linebacker who the 49ers might have an interest in is Eric Kendricks. The 49ers could attempt to sign the veteran linebacker again after he bailed on their agreement last year to sign with the Cowboys.

The 49ers thought they had Kendricks locked in, but that’s why “agreements” mean nothing in free agency. Until a player has officially signed, they have every right to continue to explore. Now, the 49ers may feel slighted towards Kendricks which keeps them from pursuing him. It’s understandable. His flaking on the 49ers forced them to turn to an alternative which was De’Vondre Campbell. 

Still, the 49ers may consider Kendricks, and he may feel more enticed to sign this time. He should get more money out of the 49ers this time, and he won’t be a placeholder. The only reason he bailed on the 49ers was that he didn’t want to be a placeholder and would reunite with his former head coach, Mike Zimmer, in Dallas. 

You can’t hold it against him too much. He went to a team that would help him increase his value for this offseason period. Pro Football Focus graded Kendricks with an exceptional 75.2, ranking 27th of all linebackers. Signing Kendricks wouldn’t be a bad idea.

His age is the only real concern. He will be 33 years old when the 2025 season arrives. Plus, Robert Saleh might not be too keen on him. Either way, he is a plausible option for the 49ers when free agency begins.

Read more

• Will the 49ers Sign Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Nick Bolton?

• 49ers Release Tenured Linebacker

• Former 49ers Coach Joins the Commanders

• 49ers Send Deebo Samuel to Patriots for 4th Rounder in Potential Trade

• Daniel Jeremiah Projects 49ers to Take a Cornerback in New Mock Draft

• 49ers Make Expected Move with Exclusive Rights Free Agents

• One Mock Draft has the 49ers Executing a Questionable Move
  

• Maxx Crosby Loves the Bay Area, Does he Want to Join the 49ers?

• Is Will Campbell the Perfect Draft Pick for the 49ers in Round 1?

• 49ers Select Top Cornerback in Latest Mock Draft