Eric Kendricks nearly signed with the 49ers, now he's a crucial part of the Dallas Cowboys defense

FRISCO — Let’s get this out of the way first: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks wants to put what could’ve been to rest.

The roughly 24 hours he had an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers this off-season? To use a quote CeeDee Lamb said on Thursday not related to Kendricks: that’s a walk down memory lane that he doesn’t want to stroll anymore.

“I want to put this to bed,” Kendricks, 32, said, “because I’m here now, I’m happy I’m here and I’m excited to be a part of this defense.”

So, for the final time, let’s point out in this story just how close Kendricks was to signing with a NFC rival. Because after one week, it’s clear just how important he is to this Cowboys defense.

Kendricks had an introductory performance on Sunday for the ages. The veteran linebacker had a team-high nine tackles, two sacks and an interception. His stat line told one story, but ask around the Cowboys’ facility and they’ll tell you that Kendricks’ impact has gone deeper than that.

“You can see the impact that he made on game day, but his impact was felt immediately when we started installing the defense,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said. “Can’t say enough about him. He’s off to a great start. He’s just an awesome get for us. A true pro. Same guy every day, just as far as working relationships. He’s been a big impact on our defense.”

McCarthy’s first sentence in his response was telling.

“Eric, that was a big get for us, especially the timing of it,” McCarthy said, “and everything that went into that.”

Kendricks originally agreed to sign with the 49ers on March 13. A day later, news broke that he had changed his mind and decided to sign with the Cowboys, becoming their first and only significant free agent acquisition.

Kendricks has been consistent with his reasoning for choosing to sign with the Cowboys. In San Francisco, he’d be playing next to star 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner. That would be the case, for sure, until the 49ers welcomed back Dre Greenlaw, who has occupied that role next to Warner for years.

In Dallas, Kendricks had a path to being the starting middle linebacker.

After Sunday’s win over Cleveland, Kendricks was asked by DLLS if his performance in Week 1 validated his decision to choose a larger role in Dallas, over a chance with the 49ers.

“You have to trust yourself more than anybody,” Kendricks said. “At the end of the day, I put the work in, I know the player I am to each team that I’m a part of. If people don’t know by now, they’re gonna know pretty soon.”

Those around the Cowboys’ facility have known for quite some time. Take the perspective of Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, for example.

“I think that kind of showed in training camp,” said Zimmer, who coached Kendricks for seven years in Minnesota. “He was flying around, he’s still flying around. He’s a very instinctive player, he’s very smart. He helps guys get lined up. Eric’s a good football player, and he always has been. I think he feels more comfortable in this system.”

He’s also comfortable in another role.

Cowboys linebacker Buddy Johnson has grown very close with Kendricks. He said the two hit it off quickly. A big reason why was the mentorship that Kendricks provided to not only him, but to entire defense. A new defense can be a lot to learn. Kendricks had the equivalent of a master’s degree in Zimmer 101.

“He understands the defense so well that he was able to translate it the best way as a player, or one of our peers,” Johnson said, “in maybe a way coach Zimmer couldn’t.”

Perhaps the best part about it, Johnson said, was how Kendricks proved his leadership ability. He entered with the reputation of a 10-year professional — someone that’s had an All-Pro season to his name. He let that speak for himself when he got to Dallas, however.

“He did a great job of coming in and he didn’t even try to be a vocal leader,” Johnson said. “He kind of earned everyone’s respect just by being the guy he is and the way he carried himself. He’s a leader on and off the field.”

That’s a common description about Kendricks. It’s worth wondering: where did his leadership ability come from?

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Kendricks said. “I wanted to be in this position so bad as a kid, and I feel like I just don’t take it for granted. At the same time, I feel like I had a solid foundation and a good moral compass. I lean on the people around me, mentorship and all that. I ask questions when I need to know answers. I try to humble myself at times.”

After one week, it’s clear it’s working.

“We’re grateful to have him here. I’m happy he wanted to be there,” Micah Parsons said. “Like I’ve said, I’ve always looked up to EK. He’s a terrific locker room buddy, too. He’s a special cat, man. I hope we get another year out of him. I hope he’s here for a while. If not, I understand about the business side.”

As for now, Kendricks’ future team — like his brief past with San Francisco — is not worth mentioning. So, as Kendricks hoped, we’ll put that to bed.