Philadelphia, PA – July 28, 2025
NFL free agency has a way of exposing value in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, the best deals come from the players no longer wanted by rivals—especially those hungry for one more shot at glory.
This offseason, the linebacker market is thin on proven difference-makers, but one name jumps out for Eagles fans with an eye for opportunity. The NFC East knows his résumé all too well—tough, experienced, and still in his prime.
After anchoring the Dallas defense in 2024, one veteran stands at a career crossroads. His lone season in Texas delivered 138 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a pair of interceptions, leading the Cowboys in tackles and ranking among the NFL’s top-15.
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Now, Eric Kendricks is making it clear: “I spent years wearing the star, waiting for a Super Bowl that never came. Philly doesn’t wait — they build, they fight, they finish. I’m not chasing nostalgia anymore. I’m chasing a ring — and the Eagles are the real power now.”
Kendricks arrives on the market after a whirlwind year—signed as a free agent from the Chargers, nearly joined the 49ers, but ultimately settled in Dallas, where he played 15 games and rarely left the field, earning a PFF grade of 78.4.
Yet despite that production, the Cowboys appear to be moving on, prioritizing youth and cheaper deals. Kendricks, at age 33, remains unsigned—his future in limbo as teams weigh experience versus upside.
For the Eagles, the fit is tempting. Philadelphia’s defense remains one linebacker away from true championship balance, and Kendricks’ instincts and leadership could prove invaluable, especially with Vic Fangio at the helm.
With just a one-year, $3 million deal in Dallas last season, Kendricks represents the classic low-risk, high-reward free agent—veteran savvy at a bargain price. For a contender, this could be the shrewdest move of the summer.
A new chapter could soon unfold in midnight green, where the hunt for a Super Bowl ring takes precedence over old NFC East rivalries. In Philly, it’s never just about nostalgia—it’s about finishing what others started.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
