In a surprising turn of events, former All-Pro linebacker Eric Kendricks joined the Dallas Cowboys just hours after agreeing to sign with the San Francisco 49ers.

On Wednesday, Kendricks had initially agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers, who were in dire need of a linebacker after Dre Greenlaw injured his Achilles in the Super Bowl. Kendricks was expected to bring stability to the position – but his last-minute change of heart has been a boon for the Cowboys.

Instead, Kendricks chose to sign with Dallas, reuniting him with new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Zimmer was previously the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and coached Kendricks from 2015 to 2021. He wanted the experienced player to lead his defense in Dallas.

The Cowboys had a significant gap to fill at linebacker; last season, they had to use safety Markquese Bell in the role after Leighton Vander Esch was injured during the year and DeMarvion Overshown suffered a knee injury in training camp. With Vander Esch expected to retire this offseason, signing Kendricks – who is familiar with Zimmer’s scheme – is crucial.

Kendricks has proven to be an effective player throughout his career. He has achieved more than 100 tackles in all but one season in his nine-year NFL career; he finished with 117 for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023.

Kendricks, who was the Chargers team captain, was let go by the AFC West franchise on March 5 as a result of salary cap issues. Last year, he joined the team under a two-year contract worth $13.25 million. With Kendricks’ release, the Chargers saved $6.5 million. Last season, he made some key plays, including 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Picked in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft after a successful career at UCLA, Kendricks spent eight seasons with the Vikings before parting ways with them following the 2022 campaign. The 32 year old made it to his only Pro Bowl in 2019 when he was also named a first-team All-Pro.

Eric Kendricks enjoyed a productive season with the Chargers before his release amid the franchise’s cap troubles

In his career so far, Kendricks has made 1,036 tackles and 18.5 sacks in 132 games (127 as a starter). He will take his place behind Dallas’ hard-hitting defensive line, featuring players like Micah Parsons, as the Cowboys aim to do better than their first-round playoff defeat.

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Despite owner Jerry Jones stating that the Cowboys would be going “all-in”, the team has been unexpectedly silent in free agency up to now. Along with Kendricks, they have also re-signed long snapper Trent Sieg.

But there are still obvious gaps at running back and other positions – though the position of linebacker is partially sorted.