The one that got away.
That is what linebacker Eric Kendricks was to the San Francisco 49ers back when free agency commenced. Kendricks had an agreement in place with the 49ers on a one-year deal until the Dallas Cowboys came in and swooped him from them.
For the first time since bailing on the agreement with the 49ers, Kendricks revealed to
Jon Machota of The Athletic what it was that steered him away and sign with the Cowboys.
"I think I would’ve taken more of a reserve role [in San Francisco]," Kendricks said
(h/t Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk). "Where as I feel I have a lot left to give and I wanted to be here and be middle linebacker. I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership abilities and command that huddle."
This makes perfect sense from Kendricks. He wasn't going to come to the 49ers and get an indefinite starting role. That is not what the 49ers were looking for in free agency from a linebacker. What the 49ers wanted was a placeholder with Dre Greenlaw on the mend from a torn Achilles.
That is why they went and signed De'Vondre Campbell after Kendricks bailed. So, for Kendricks, he is wise to not want to settle for less. He now gets to play in a defensive scheme that he is familiar with under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. That will allow him to play at his best, which can set him up for a nice little pay day for the next free agency period.
It was embarrassing at first, but makes too much sense for why the 49ers got left at the alter by Kendricks.
More must-reads: