Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Why'd Kendricks Change? To 'Win A Championship with Coach Mike Zimmer'

Originally posted on FanNation Cowboy Maven
By Mike Fisher | Last updated 3/16/24

Dallas Cowboys fans have every reason to scoff at this moment, and even to scoff at the reason new middle linebacker Eric Kendricks is giving for his stunning decision to un-do his plan to sign with the San Francisco 49ers to instead use NFL free agency to come to The Star.

"I'm happy I'm able to be in Coach Zim's system again,'' Kendricks said of the lure of rejoining Mike Zimmer, his head coach in Minnesota who is now Dallas' defensive coordinator. "It felt right.

"Ultimately, playing the best football and winning a championship is our ultimate goal and that's why I'm back with him."

"Winning a championship''? That doesn't seem like the vibe in Cowboys Nation at the moment as fans react to a series of non-signings and one-year signings that support our "Blow It Up!'' (and rebuild in 2025) theory. (Kendricks' deal, by the way, fits the mold. He is assured only $2.5 million for his one season here.)

But why should a top-level player - Kendricks is now 32 but was an All-Pro in 2019 with Zimmer's Vikings - approach this in any other way?

the last few, but the Cowboys got one in a different way earlier this week.

Kendricks had agreed to terms on a deal with the 49ers on Monday. But maybe his defined role wasn't quite right, because his conversation with DallasCowboys.com is very much about "getting to play middle linebacker with the Cowboys.''

"I felt like it was a really hard decision," Kendricks said. "(The 49ers) are an excellent organization and wonderful program they have there. Ultimately, I wanted the opportunity to play MIKE and bet on myself. Especially at this point in my career, I have a lot left to prove. I feel great and I'm moving great. To be able to play MIKE with this defense, and the guys we have on this defense, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass. I'm very happy with this decision."

CowboysSI.com has often noted that while Kendricks and Zimmer had success together, the player did comment on the coach's "fear''-style of leadership ... and did not approve of it. Kendricks touched on that as well.

"Yeah, I feel like me and Zimm have had our times where we've even butted heads," Kendricks said. "Just the fact that I'm back with him shows you that I believe in him and he believes in me and we want to get the job done. Ultimately, playing the best football and winning a championship is our ultimate goal and that's why I'm back with him."

This article first appeared on FanNation Cowboy Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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