As the football offseason approaches the 2025 NFL draft, several Dallas Cowboys free agents have already moved on from the Lone Star State.
Pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence signed with the Seattle Seahawks while cornerback Jourdan Lewis and tackle Chuma Edoga both joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s without mentioning how the likes of wideout Brandin Cooks (Saints) and running back Rico Dowdle (Panthers) are also among the ex-Cowboys who left for fresh starts.
Even though the door is officially closed on several Dallas reunions, that isn’t the case for all of the franchise’s free agents. In fact, there’s still more than enough time for the Cowboys to convince one available name to stay in town.
Cowboys Still Have Time to Re-Sign LB Eric Kendricks
One ex-Cowboy who’s still looking for his next opportunity is Eric Kendricks. The 33-year-old linebacker moved to Dallas last offseason to reunite with former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who previously coached Kendricks during the duo’s time with the Minnesota Vikings.
Although Kendricks is a former Pro Bowl defender, Cowboys fans weren’t exactly thrilled about his signing. After all, owner/general manager Jerry Jones promised that the team would go “all in” last offseason, only to forego signing big-name players in favor of aging veterans on one- or two-year contracts.
Kendricks wasn’t the flashiest signing, however, that didn’t stop him from making his doubters eat their words. The former UCLA Bruin paced all Cowboys in total tackles (138) and solo efforts (71) while adding three defended passes, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and a pair of interceptions in 15 appearances (920 defensive snaps).
By the time the dust cleared, Kendricks finished his 10th NFL season as one of Pro Football Focus‘ highest-graded LBs when it came to run stoppage (78.3, 33rd), pass rushing (78.5, 12th), and overall defense (75.2, 27th).
It wouldn’t be unfathomable if Kendricks is tempted to re-sign with the Cowboys if it means replicating that success. Even though Zimmer is gone, new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi have more than enough experience to get the most out of the former All-Pro playmaker.
Spotrac lists Kendricks’ projected market value at $6.8 million annually, which is more than worth it if he replicates his 2024 performance. It’s also a digestible number for the Cowboys, who have over $38.4 million in salary cap space remaining — sixth-most in the NFL.
At the end of the day, the Cowboys must explore a Kendricks reunion if he’s interested. He’s the type of battle-tested linebacker who makes everyone around him better and could be even more productive in the fall with another Dallas training camp under his belt.
