The 49ers Almost Sign Linebacker Eric Kendricks

That was a close one.

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Kendricks has decided to sign with the Cowboys instead of the 49ers. Disregard this entire article.

Here comes Dre Greenlaw's replacement.

The 49ers just signed linebacker Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He presumably will fill in for Greenlaw while he recovers from a torn Achilles, and then the two of them will play together along with Fred Warner in the base defense if Greenlaw returns to the field next season.

This signing is interesting for a couple reasons, but first, here's what you need to know about Kendricks. He's 32, he played for the Chargers last season under current 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley and before that Kendricks played eight seasons with the Vikings. He even intercepted Jimmy Garoppolo in a playoff game.

It's worth noting that Kendricks is the second defensive player the 49ers have signed who played for Staley in the past. The other player is Leonard Floyd, who played for Staley on the Rams in 2020. So while Staley technically isn't the 49ers defensive coordinator, he clearly has lots of say over the defensive personnel and seems to be the architect of the defensive roster, much more so than current defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. Makes you wonder who really runs this defense.

In addition, it's worth noting that Kendricks is the fourth player the 49ers have added to their defense this offseason, while they still haven't added anyone to an offense that scored 22 points in five quarters and went 3 for 12 on third down in the Super Bowl. Shanahan clearly is implying that the defense is solely responsible for the loss, which is wrong. The whole team was responsible, and the offense needs upgrades, too.