Vikings Community Reacts to Release of Veteran Defender
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings released linebacker Eric Kendricks on Monday, a cap-clearing maneuver that will save the franchise $9.5 million against the salary cap.
Kendricks, 30, played for the Vikings in eight seasons, joining the franchise in the 2nd Round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He and Anthony Barr manned the middle of the Vikings defense during the Mike Zimmer era, and now Kendricks will hit open free agency for the first time.
Vikings Community Reacts to Release of Veteran Defender
And while the release was expected by Vikings faithful, the news was still a shock for some. There’s no other way to dice it — Kendricks was one of the “good guys” in the organization and embodied the Vikings culture under two different head coaches.
Accordingly, reactions to Kendricks’ release varied, as some paid tribute and others were generally blindsided. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf released the following statement Monday:
Eric’s impact on our franchise over the past eight years has been immeasurable. At the core of our defense, Eric exemplified perfectly what it means to be a Minnesota Viking. He was the ultimate competitor and an incredible leader who set a high standard and consistently carried himself with class. Off the field, Eric set an example for others with his passion for giving back and using his platform to drive positive change. We especially appreciate his immediate contributions as an original member of the team’s social justice committee and his partnership with us in the fight against social and racial inequities. We are grateful to Eric and his wife, Ally, and look forward to watching them continue to make a difference in the future.
– Zygi Wilf | Vikings owner
Luke Braun from the Locked on Vikings podcast tweeted, “Barr and Kendricks meant a lot to me, as they just about defined my adulthood Vikings fandom. Then I found out when doing the history doc what they meant to each other. I miss them so much already.”
FOX9’s Dawn Mitchell opined, “Vikings release Eric Kendricks today. He’s more than a team captain, Pro Bowler, Walter Payton Man of the Year nom & a leader in social justice with words & actions – Eric is an incredible person. Eric Kendricks, I thank you for your honesty, kindness & humor. You are a light.”
Vikings second-year linebacker Brian Asamoah, who will probably now fill Kendricks’ shoes on the depth chart, paid homage, “Thank you for everything big bro! I learned so much and appreciate you. Much Love. ?.”
Fullback C.J. Ham had a simple but thoughtful tribute:
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert was mostly business via tweet, “By now, the Kendricks release shouldn’t have been a surprise. A modest read of the tea leaves has been pointing toward a veteran clearout this spring. The only question is whether it will be all, most or just some of the players we looked at last week.”
And some reporters got right down to business, including Bo Brack from PHNX Sports, “Both Arizona Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon and DC Nick Rallis were on Vikings defensive staff during Kendricks’ tenure. Could the new Cards staff want to add the 31-year-old vet LB to the roster to help develop young LBs?”
Kendricks should experience a somewhat robust market for his 2023 services. Other longtime veterans could be released amid the Vikings offseason, for example, C.J. Ham, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook, or Jordan Hicks. Their futures are up in the air as of March 5th.
NFL free agency formally begins on March 15th, although teams can legally talk to players on March 13th.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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