Vikings Release Eric Kendricks

A lot is going to happen in the NFL world this week, as contract deadlines across the league come due. For the Minnesota Vikings, the first domino fell on Monday morning, in the form of Eric Kendricks.

We have released LB Eric Kendricks.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 6, 2023

Kendricks, who just turned 31, has played with the Vikings for all eight of his NFL seasons. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and was one of the best linebackers in the league for most of his tenure. Unfortunately, his play fell off drastically in 2022, after the defense switched to a 3-4 scheme under former defensive coordinator, Ed Donatell.

The Vikings saved $9.5 million against the 2023 salary cap by cutting Kendricks. Next, they’ll have to make decisions on the likes of Adam Thielen, Harrison Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson and others.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan