Despite not being major players in NFL free agency this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys were nevertheless able to add a veteran who has the potential to play a significant role in Mike Zimmer’s new defense scheme.
Even though supporters have been angry and frustrated with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys for allowing more high-profile targets end up somewhere else, all three of the NFC East opponents signed key players, and Dallas went into the offseason under the salary restriction, which forced the team to make tough decisions.
However, the arrival of linebacker Eric Kendricks by the Cowboys may prove to be very beneficial both on the field and in conference rooms when a group is acclimating to a new approach, system, and vocabulary.
Kendricks is the Cowboys’ “one positive takeaway” from this offseason, according to Pro Football Focus.
For PFF, Dalton Wasserman says, “The Cowboys simply haven’t had the salary cap space to make significant additions.” However, Kendricks’ addition is a good one considering that San Francisco was initially supposed to sign him.
“Kendricks has always been a reliable run defender, and in Los Angeles this past season, he carried on that tradition. He finished ahead of all Cowboys linebackers and all Chargers linebackers with a run-defense grade of 73.6.
“Dallas had been using smaller, hybrid-type players at the position to run their defense, but Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator, can look to Kendricks, a former Minnesota player, to lead his linebacker group.”
Reasons Eric Kendricks Signed with the Dallas Cowboys
In essence, the 32-year-old signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Cowboys to “prove it” in a scheme and system he is accustomed to.
According to Kendricks, the Cowboys were drawn to Zimmer because of their chance to rejoin after their time together with the Minnesota Vikings.
Re-entering Coach Zim’s system has made me pleased,” Kendricks told reporters. It seemed appropriate. Our ultimate goal is to play the best football and win a championship, which is why I’m back with him.
It’s unclear if the Cowboys have the pieces to contend for a title, but it’s obvious Dallas thinks Kendricks, who comes in off a 2023 season in which he recorded 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, can improve the linebacking corps in 2024.
“I think there have been moments when Zimm and I have actually disagreed,” Kendricks remarked. “Merely returning to him demonstrates our mutual belief in each other and our desire to complete the task at hand. Our ultimate goal is to play the best football and win a championship, which is why I’m back with him.
Even now, as the NFL free agency season enters its second wave, the Cowboys may find it difficult to bolster their squad.
With $4.99 million in cap space right now, the Cowboys are the team in the NFL with the least amount of spending freedom.
A large portion of the Cowboys’ cap problems are caused by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding quarterback Dak Prescott’s financial situation. Despite the changes made to his contract, Prescott still makes up 21.2% of the Cowboys’ cap.
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