Report: 49ers to sign LB Eric Kendricks

Field Level Media|published: Wed 13th March, 09:34 2024

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) uses a fan's cell phone to take a selfie of himself and fans, Monday, November 6, 2023. credits: Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK

The San Francisco 49ers are signing former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks to a one-year contract, ESPN reported on Wednesday morning.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Kendricks, who recorded 117 tackles in 15 games (14 starts) last season before being released by the Chargers on March 5. Los Angeles saved $6.5 million with the release of Kendricks, who signed a two-year, $13.25 million contract prior to the 2023 season.

The addition of Kendricks will help the 49ers address the position after linebacker Dre Greenlaw tore his Achilles during the team's 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.

Kendricks, who turned 32 on Feb. 29, was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection for the Minnesota Vikings in 2019. He has 1,036 tackles, 18.5 sacks, nine interceptions, six fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles in 132 career games (127 starts) with the Vikings and Chargers.

Greenlaw completed his fifth season with the 49ers in 2023 and had 120 tackles, the second-highest output of his career.

—Field Level Media