Former All-Pro defender declines offer to join Ravens as Baltimore seeks reinforcements to survive surge of injuries to defense

Amid the outlook at linebacker, where rookie Teddye Buchanan has significantly been out-snapping Trenton Simpson opposite Smith, the Ravens have started kicking the tires on some veterans. Their first choice, a former Pro Bowler and All-Pro, has reportedly passed on the opportunity to join the squad.

Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks bypasses chance to join Ravens' practice squad

Who is linebacker Eric Kendricks?

• Kendricks was drafted 45th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft out of UCLA by the Minnesota Vikings
• Kendricks played for Minnesota from 2015 through 2022
• Named a Pro Bowler and first-team All Pro in 2019, Kendricks posted 110 tackles and 12 passes defensed
• He's logged 100+ tackles in every season since 2016
• Kendricks played most recently with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, starting 15 games
• He's started 133 career games between his time in Minnesota, Dallas, and Los Angeles with the Chargers in 2023

Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks declined a chance to join the Ravens' practice squad this morning, presumably with the opportunity to be elevated on to the active roster and play in place of Roquan Smith.

"Eric Kendricks declined an offer to start out on Baltimore's practice squad and is headed home this morning," wrote Pelissero.

Given the proximity to Baltimore's Week 5 contest against the Houston Texans, it would be unlikely that Kendricks could step in and quarterback Baltimore's defense like Smith is capable of (although even Smith hasn't played to that standard this season) for this weekend. But the Ravens certainly could have used his experience in the room. The rest of their linebacker room currently boasts two rookies in Buchanan and undrafted rookie Jay Higgins IV, plus Simpson and career special teamer Jake Hummel. Hummel has posted one career start on defense, while Simpson was a majority starter for the first time in 2024.

It's hard to say whether Kendricks declining Baltimore says more about his belief and desire to start on an active roster or it says more about his perception of the situation in Baltimore — which has gotten ugly fast. What is not hard to say, however, is that the Ravens should keep snooping around. They need all the help they can get right now.

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