Vikings Cut Eric Kendricks; Commanders Interested?
The Minnesota Vikings are saying goodbye to their longest-tenured player.
According to NFL Network, the Vikings are releasing linebacker Eric Kendricks today, a move that clears $9.5 million of cap space for Minnesota.
Kendricks, 31, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Vikings and was named First Team All-Pro in 2019. This past season, Kendricks started every game and recorded 137 tackles, six shy of his career-best.
Several teams will be lining up to talk to Kendricks about resuming his career with them, and one of those could be the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders didn't boast a ton of linebacker depth last season, a problem they should be looking to fix in free agency. Jamin Davis, the team's 2021 first-round pick, was expected to play middle linebacker coming into the league. But he ended up moving to his more natural outside linebacker spot and Cole Holcomb moved inside.
However, Holcomb is a free agent and could receive considerable interest elsewhere. He'll be 27 next season, but Kendricks at 31 could bring better value and a higher ceiling on a shorter deal that allows the Commanders more flexibility.
There isn't any information to suggest that Holcomb is definitely leaving the Commanders in free agency, but all options must be explored a week before the player movement begins.
With Kendricks part of the unemployment line and Holcomb's future in question, the Commanders have some decisions to make.
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