Vikings Release Former All-Pro Linebacker Eric Kendricks, Clearing Cap Space

Kendricks was a first team All-Pro in 2019 and has been a fixture in the Vikings' lineup for almost a decade.

The Vikings have released middle linebacker Eric Kendricks, the team announced Monday morning.

While it isn't a shocking move in the context of this offseason, it'll be strange to see Kendricks wearing a different jersey this fall. The 2015 second-round pick out of UCLA has been a fixture in the Vikings' starting lineup for eight years, playing in 117 regular season games (113 starts) and six postseason games since being drafted. Consistently among the NFL's better off-ball linebackers for much of his career, Kendricks was a first team All-Pro selection following the 2019 season.

Releasing Kendricks clears up $9.5 million in salary cap space, marking the Vikings' first move to get closer to cap compliance. There are still additional moves needed in that regard. Moving on from Kendricks also clears the pathway for 2022 third-rounder Brian Asamoah — who showed some enticing flashes as a rookie — to earn a starting role in Brian Flores' defense this year.

With Kendricks being released, it'll be interesting to see what happens to the rest of the Vikings' group of expensive veterans with uncertain futures. That includes Harrison Smith, Adam Thielen, ellow starting linebacker Jordan Hicks, and potentially others.

Kendricks was a huge part of the Vikings' incredible 2015 draft class, along with Danielle Hunter, Stefon Diggs, and Trae Waynes. He started 11 games as a rookie and remained a full-time starter for the rest of his Minnesota career. Kendricks racked up tackles from the MLB position, exceeding 100 in every year after his rookie season and averaging 140 over the past two years. He was incredible in coverage at his peak, with a career-high 12 passes defended in 2019 and ten interceptions between 2016 and '21, including playoffs. Kendricks' Vikings tenure also included 15 sacks, 54 total TFL, and three touchdowns, including a fumble recovery in the end zone during this year's crazy Vikings-Bills ending.

In 2019, Kendricks earned an elite 90.1 PFF grade across nearly 1,100 snaps. He was nearly as good in 2020, with an 82.6 grade that included a 90.7 mark in coverage. However, Kendricks' grades fell to an average level (around 60 or so) over the last two seasons. He notably seemed to struggle in Ed Donatell's defense this past season after seven years with Mike Zimmer.

Now, with Flores replacing Donatell, the Vikings have decided to move on from Kendricks and free up cap space.

Both on and off the field, Kendricks will be tough to replace. Not only was he a durable and effective linebacker, he was a team captain and locker room leader as well. Kendricks was also incredible in the Twin Cities community, earning the Vikings' nomination for Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2020.

The Vikings' leadership gave statements on Kendricks being released. Via the team:

“As a Pro Bowler and team captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and a leader of the Vikings social justice efforts, Eric leaves a powerful, permanent legacy within our organization and the Minnesota community. While he is best known as a playmaker and respected linebacker across the league, Eric’s contributions to the Vikings extend far beyond the field because of his selfless and unwavering commitment to improving societal issues. I have the utmost respect for Eric and wish him and Ally, along with their growing family, continued success in their next chapter.” – Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

“It is extremely difficult to start more than 100 games in this league, but Eric has been a staple in the locker room since he entered the NFL. During my first year as head coach, Eric played a critical role as a captain and a member of the leadership council in helping establish the culture we want in Minnesota. He was a consistent mentor to his younger teammates, and his tireless work ethic set a standard for others to emulate. I’m thankful to have had the chance to coach Eric as a player and get to know him as a person. I know he and Ally will have an immediate positive impact on their next team and community.”­ – Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell

“Eric’s impact on our franchise over the past eight years has been immeasurable. At the core of our defense, Eric exemplified perfectly what it means to be a Minnesota Viking. He was the ultimate competitor and an incredible leader who set a high standard and consistently carried himself with class. Off the field, Eric set an example for others with his passion for giving back and using his platform to drive positive change. We especially appreciate his immediate contributions as an original member of the team’s social justice committee and his partnership with us in the fight against social and racial inequities. We are grateful to Eric and his wife, Ally, and look forward to watching them continue to make a difference in the future.” – Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Owner/President Mark Wilf

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