BB.”Stunner: Former Vikings Star with 1,174 Tackles and 21.5 Sacks Declines Ravens Practice Squad Offer”
In a surprising twist, veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, a former Minnesota Vikings standout with an illustrious career boasting 1,174 tackles and 21.5 sacks, has rejected an offer to join the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The 33-year-old, who earned First Team All-Pro honors in 2019, is holding out for a more fitting opportunity, leaving Ravens fans wondering what could have been for their injury-plagued defense.
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Eric Kendricks spent eight dominant seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, cementing himself as one of the NFL’s premier linebackers. From 2015 to 2022, he was a tackling machine, recording over 100 tackles in seven of his nine consecutive seasons with the team. His pinnacle came in 2019, when he racked up 110 tackles, a half-sack, two fumble recoveries, and earned both Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors. Kendricks’ career stats—1,174 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, and seven fumble recoveries—speak to his durability and playmaking ability.
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After his tenure with Minnesota ended in 2022, Kendricks continued to showcase his talent elsewhere. In 2023, he signed a two-year, $13.2 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played 15 games before being released. In 2024, he joined the Dallas Cowboys, amassing 138 tackles (71 solo), three sacks, and two interceptions in 15 games. However, shoulder surgery during the offseason sidelined him temporarily, though he now appears healthy enough to work out for teams. Despite his proven track record, the Ravens’ practice squad offer didn’t meet the expectations of the 10-year veteran.
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The Baltimore Ravens are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements amid a brutal rash of injuries. Their Wednesday injury report listed eight defensive players, including three-time All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, who is sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and expected to miss multiple weeks, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Smith, the team’s leading tackler with 34 stops this season, is a massive loss for a defense that has struggled mightily, allowing an NFL-worst 33.3 points per game, ranking second-to-last in yards allowed (406.8 per game), and 25th in yards per play (5.7).
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The Ravens’ defensive woes don’t end there. All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) and defensive end Broderick Washington (ankle) are currently on injured reserve, further depleting a unit that entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations. Kendricks, with his wealth of experience and proven production, would have been a valuable addition to stabilize the linebacker corps and provide leadership in Smith’s absence. However, the practice squad role likely felt like a step backward for a player of his caliber.
With the Minnesota Vikings facing their own linebacker challenges, speculation about a potential reunion with Kendricks has surfaced. The Vikings’ linebacker unit is currently depleted, with Blake Cashman on injured reserve after a hamstring injury in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears and All-Pro Andrew Van Ginkel limited to just two games due to a neck injury. Van Ginkel, coming off a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2024, missed practice on Thursday and is expected to sit out the Vikings’ Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (9:30 a.m. ET).
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While Kendricks’ familiarity with the Vikings’ system and his history of success in Minnesota make a reunion intriguing, there’s been little concrete indication of such a move. Kendricks, now a free agent, may be holding out for a more prominent role with a contender, leveraging his impressive resume to secure a spot that matches his skill set and experience.
As the NFL season progresses, Kendricks’ decision to pass on the Ravens’ offer signals his confidence in landing a better opportunity. With teams across the league dealing with injuries and seeking veteran depth, the former Viking star’s next move will be closely watched. Whether he returns to Minnesota, joins another contender, or waits for the perfect fit, Kendricks’ blend of experience, tenacity, and playmaking ability ensures he remains a coveted asset in the NFL.
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