Rams Sign LB Eric Kendricks

Kendricks signed with the Rams on Tuesday, per a team announcement. This is a practice squad deal, to no surprise. Kendricks, 34, will look to make an early impact on his latest team as a gameday elevation or a candidate to join the active roster relatively soon.

Over the course of his career, Kendricks has totaled 158 regular and postseason appearances. He operated as a full-time starter for each of his first 11 NFL seasons, most of which was spent as a member of the Vikings. The former second-rounder then spent one year with the Chargers before reuniting with Mike Zimmer in Dallas.

Kendricks nearly signed with the 49ers in 2024, and he wound up doing so 11 months ago. That resulted in only three regular-season appearances, although he was a contributor on both defense and special teams during that time. Kendricks started both of San Francisco’s playoff games, totaling 19 tackles along the way.

After a free agent spell which once again lasted well into the start of the season, the UCLA product has managed to line up his next deal. Kendricks – who was born in Clovis, California – will stay in his home state for Year 12 in the NFL. He will look to provide veteran depth on a defense which brought in several high-profile veterans this offseason. Los Angeles’ most noteworthy additions came along the defensive front and at the cornerback spot, but Kendricks could offer a boost at the second level of a defense which ranks second in yards allowed and ninth in points surrendered so far.

The Rams entered Tuesday at the bottom of the NFL in terms of cap space with $1.06MM available. This Kendricks deal will not use up much of that figure, but it could prove to be a worthwhile depth investment.