All-Pro LB Eric Kendricks Sends Strong Message on Why He Joined the 49ers

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers talks with Eric Kendricks #50 of the Dallas Cowboys after their game at Levi's Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Ahead of Thanksgiving, the San Francisco 49ers decided to make a move to address the defense, bringing in veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to help shoulder the load heading into the final four regular-season games of the 2025 campaign.

After a successful stint with the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2022, Kendricks has bounced around the league a bit. He had short stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys, and now is suiting up for the 49ers, with hopes of helping the storied franchise clinch a playoff spot.

Eric Kendricks Reveals Why He Signed With 49ers

GettyEric Kendricks formerly of the Dallas Cowboys

In 2024, Kendricks agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers to help bolster the team’s defense. However, he backed out of that deal and chose to sign with the Cowboys instead.

Now things have come full circle for the 33-year-old linebacker, as he joins San Francisco for the final four games of the regular season. Kendricks recently revealed why he chose to sign with the 49ers as a free agent this time around.

“I just wanted to do what felt right, and a lot of things didn’t feel right, so I just waited,” Kendricks said during his media availability in the locker room on Tuesday via NBC Sports Bay Area. “I’ve always respected the organization, the coaching staff and the way they play defense, when I got an opportunity to be part of the team, I took it.”

Kendricks joins the 49ers at an ideal time, with San Francisco having won three straight games while sporting a 9-4 record, which is impressive considering the number of injuries to key players, most notably Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, the team has suffered this season.

Kendricks Impressed With 49ers’ ‘Next-Man-Up’ Mentality

GettyBrock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with George Kittle #85

Along with the respect for the storied 49ers franchise, Kendricks also chimed in on the injuries that have piled up for San Francisco this season and how it has been impressive that the team has been able to endure and win nine games.

“I’ve watched everybody kind of step up and the way they’ve responded,” Kendricks said. “It was inspiring to watch, through all the adversity they’ve faced, they seem to just like to fight.”