NFL Teams Chargers Beat Out To Sign Eric Kendricks

Eric Kendricks broke the silence of his next NFL chapter via his Instagram on Monday following a release from the Minnesota Vikings earlier this month. The 31-year-old has provided solid defense his entire career and, despite a drop in production last season, he still had multiple front offices in the league interested before coming to an agreement with the Los Angeles Chargers.

We just received official details of Kendricks' deal with LA via Ian Rapoport and he is locked in for 2 years, $13.25 million.

The #Chargers and LB Eric Kendricks agreed to terms on a 2-year deal worth $13.25M, source said. The long-time #Vikings star fills a big need for LAC.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023

What other teams were in the race for Kendricks?

Kendricks played college football for UCLA and naturally rumors surfaced that not only the Chargers would be an ideal fit but also their city rival Los Angeles Rams. Similar to the Chargers, the Rams also have a looming, open spot at their linebacker position due to them releasing Bobby Wagner. They won a Super Bowl in 2022 but their lineups looked completely different this past season due to injuries and it is clear they want to get back to winning ways. However, there have also been rumors of a rebuild and a player like Kendricks that wants to contend may have looked to the Bolts for that reason.

The Buffalo Bills finished first in the AFC East last season and only lost three regular season games in large part due to their defensive line. However, they too are likely going to lose an important linebacker in Tremaine Edmunds who took on a lot of responsibilities on that end for them and Kendricks was viewed as a solution. Numerous sources such as Clutch Points and A to Z Sports appointed the Bills as a favorite to land the former All-Pro prior to his LA reunion.

Eric Kendricks picked off his new quarterback, Justin Herbert, in 2021. One of his coolest plays as a Viking. pic.twitter.com/PWb1EK0ZOc
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) March 14, 2023

Chargers fans have been nothing but ecstatic after finding out their newest addition to the defensive line.

The chargers defense. Bro.
— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) March 14, 2023

Happy for EK. Gets to play for a good defense in the Chargers and be back home surrounded by family. That's especially important with a kid on the way. Wish him the best. https://t.co/aWvz0rVayX
— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) March 14, 2023