One year after being given the chance to return to Los Angeles, Eric Kendricks finds himself without a job as the Chargers are set to release the veteran linebacker, according to a tweet from ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.
During Tom Telesco’s final offseason as the Chargers’ GM, Kendricks was signed to a two-year, $13.25 million deal. The longtime Vikings starter, who was due to earn $5 million in base salary for the upcoming season, is being let go, allowing the Chargers to save $6.5 million.
Despite this move, Jim Harbaugh’s team still needs to address cap compliance, as the Kendricks release only brings them $19 million over the 2024 cap. Additionally, the Chargers are now in need of new linebacker starters, as Kendricks and Kenneth Murray served as the primary inside linebackers for L.A. in 2023. Murray is approaching free agency in the coming days.
A UCLA alum and Fresno native, Kendricks had a swift return to California last year, marking his second consecutive offseason as a cap casualty after the Vikings released him in 2023. Given the Chargers’ current cap situation, it’s not surprising to see them follow suit.
Despite turning 32 last week, Kendricks maintained a consistent level of production, recording 117 tackles (seven for loss) and 3.5 sacks. The former second-round pick also contributed a forced fumble and six passes defensed, concluding the season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 25 overall linebacker, while Murray received lower rankings as one of the NFL’s least effective full-time inside linebackers.
