NFL notebook: LB Eric Kendricks reportedly spurns 49ers for Cowboys

 

[March 14, 2024]  In an about-face, former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks agreed to a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, according to multiple media reports.

Kendricks' decision came hours after reports indicated he would go to the San Francisco 49ers, also on a one-year contract.

ESPN reported that new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wanted a reunion with Kendricks, who turned 32 on Feb. 29. Before his one season with the Chargers, Kendricks played eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2015-22), where Zimmer was the head coach through 2021.

Kendricks, who was released on March 5 as the Chargers needed to open salary-cap space, was named a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in 2019, his only time with each honor.

--The Las Vegas Raiders officially released veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo after one season.

The team also cut wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and backup QB Brian Hoyer, saving more than $19 million in salary-cap space.

Garoppolo, 32, signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract, with $45 million of it guaranteed, last March. Last month, he was suspended two games by the NFL for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

--Quarterback Joe Flacco, last season's league Comeback Player of the Year while leading the Cleveland Browns into the postseason, reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

Flacco, who turned 39 years old in January, will serve as the backup and a mentor to Indianapolis' Anthony Richardson, according to ESPN. Richardson missed 13 games in his rookie season due to injuries. The deal could earn Flacco as much as $8.7 million.

--Kirk Cousins put pen to paper and celebrated a massive payday, joining the Atlanta Falcons for a fresh start at age 35 as the new NFL league year officially began.

Cousins' deal is for a reported four years and $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed.

--Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes plans to restructure his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, freeing up $21.6 million against the salary cap, per multiple media reports.

Mahomes, who signed a $450 million contract extension in 2020, would count over $58 million toward the cap without a restructuring.

The seven-year veteran, who is coming off back-to-back Super Bowl victories, has been named the game's MVP three times, and he has been the league's MVP twice.

--The Tennessee Titans are signing wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million deal, his agents confirmed to ESPN. The deal includes $50 million fully guaranteed for the 29-year-old wideout, who is coming off a 1,016-yard season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Titans also are signing quarterback Mason Rudolph to a one-year contract worth up to $3.62 million and kicker Nick Folk to a one-year deal for $3.755 million that could increase up to $4.13 million, according to multiple media reports.

--Baker Mayfield weighed multiple options and soon realized Tampa Bay was "home," leading to his decision to pass on free agency and sign a three-year deal to return to the Buccaneers.

"God had a plan for me, saw it through, and the group we had made it so special last year -- a big reason I wanted to come back here," Mayfield said after putting his autograph on a contract worth up to $115 million.

--Two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Brian Burns officially joined the Giants, two days after New York and Carolina agreed on a trade. The Panthers received a 2024 second-rounder and a 2025 fifth-rounder in the deal for Burns, who reportedly received a five-year deal worth $141 million with $87.5 million in guaranteed money.

--The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the trade of veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III to Detroit in exchange for a third-round pick in April's NFL draft. The Bucs sent the Lions two sixth-round picks in the deal.

Tampa Bay also officially released veteran linebacker Shaquil Barrett, a move that will provide nearly $5 million in salary-cap relief.

--Defensive lineman Arik Armstead is expected to draw a crowd in free agency after being released by the San Francisco 49ers. General manager John Lynch confirmed attempts to restructure Armstead's contract failed to produce an agreement.

--Running back Derrick Henry officially joined the Baltimore Ravens, as the team tweeted a welcome message. He reported landed a two-year, $16 million deal that can be worth up to $20 million.

--The Philadelphia Eagles welcomed running back Saquon Barkley back to the Keystone State. Barkley starred at Penn State before playing the past six seasons with the NFC East rival New York Giants. The 27-year-old free agent agreed to a three-year deal worth a reported $37.75 million.

--The Los Angeles Chargers released receiver Mike Williams after seven seasons. Parting ways with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft will save the team $20 million against the cap.

--The Chicago Bears signed quarterback Brett Rypien to a one-year deal. Rypien, 27, likely will compete with Tyson Bagent for the No. 2 job. The team is believed to be eyeing Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in April's draft. The Bears are also expected to trade Justin Fields.

--Right tackle Morgan Moses reportedly is headed back to the Jets.

Moses, who played in 17 games (16 starts) for New York in 2021, would return in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens. The teams reportedly are swapping fourth-round picks and the Ravens also would pick up a sixth-round selection.

--The Philadelphia Eagles and All-Pro kicker Jake Elliott agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2028 season. While the team announced the extension, no financial details were disclosed. ESPN valued the deal at $24 million.

--The 49ers acquired defensive tackle Maliek Collins from the Texans, according to multiple reports. San Fransisco reportedly is sending Houston a 2024 seventh-round pick.

--The Carolina Panthers are signing cornerback Dane Jackson to a two-year deal worth up to $14.5 million, NFL Network reported.

--The Washington Commanders are re-signing safety and All-Pro special teams player Jeremy Reaves to a two-year contract, according to multiple media reports.

--Field Level Media

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