In March, the San Francisco 49ers were thrilled to agree to terms on a one-year deal with free agent linebacker Eric Kendricks, providing insurance in case Dre Greenlaw missed significant time due to the torn Achilles suffered in the Super Bowl. However, Kendricks unexpectedly backed out of the agreement, opting to sign with the Dallas Cowboys instead.
For the Cowboys, it marked a rare victory over the 49ers and left the Bay Area team scrambling for an alternative solution.
Kendricks recently shed light on his decision to withdraw from the deal with the 49ers.
"I think I would've taken more of a reserved role [in San Francisco], whereas I feel I have a lot left to give, and I wanted to be here and be middle linebacker," Kendricks said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership abilities, and command that huddle."
Additionally, joining Dallas presented Kendricks with an opportunity to reunite with Mike Zimmer, the former Minnesota Vikings head coach, who is now the Cowboys' defensive coordinator.
Fortunately for the 49ers, former Green Bay Packers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell became available. They swiftly signed him to fill the void created by Kendricks' change of heart.
"He's a guy we really have always respected and liked," general manager John Lynch said of Campbell in March. "I think in pass coverage, he's an excellent player, has played the run effectively. ... And De'Vondre just had a very productive career. So that was a blessing that he became available for us, and we pounced on that."
Furthermore, San Francisco bolstered their linebacker corps by signing free agent Ezekiel Turner and drafting Tatum Bethune in the seventh round.
