Former Vikings All-Pro Says No Thanks to Ravens Contract Offer
Needing an extra off-ball linebacker, Eric Kendricks could have become the newest member of the Baltimore Ravens’ roster. The former Minnesota Vikings defender auditioned for John Harbaugh’s team this week, and a deal felt imminent.
The Baltimore Ravens’ defense is in dire shape, and one popular former Minnesota Vikings defender could’ve come to the rescue this week.
The 33-year-old last played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, a defense led by Mike Zimmer, and had no free-agent nibbles during the offseason.
Kendricks, though, evidently turned down the Ravens’ practice squad offer.
Ex-Vikings LB Eric Kendricks Pondered the Other Purple Team
Kendricks may have a season or two left in the tank.
Ravens Audition Eric Kendricks but to No Avail
Kendricks had a chance to turn the other hue of purple, but apparently turned down the offer.
NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Tuesday, “Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks visited the Ravens on Tuesday, but he reportedly won’t be part of their bid to improve their defensive performance.”
“Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that Kendricks turned down an offer to join the Ravens’ practice squad. Kendricks could have been elevated three times to play in games if he had signed and could be signed to the 53-man roster after that or at any other point in his tenure with the team.”
Oh so close for Baltimore.
A Defense in Need of Repair
The Ravens’ defense ranks 24th in the NFL per DVOA and even worse per EPA/Play at No. 29.
Baltimore has been gashed by opponents, despite employing many reputable names on defense and holstering a usually stellar defensive reputation. At 1-3, the Ravens are searching for answers, and in theory, Kendricks might have worked swell in the AFC North.
It’s just that he was turned off by the practice squad offer.
Baltimore’s Current LB Corps
Here’s the lay of the land at inside linebacker for the Ravens:
- Roquan Smith (Injured)
- Kyle Van Noy (Injured)
- Teddye Buchanan
- Mike Green
- Trenton Simpson
- Jake Hummel
- Jay Higgins IV
- Chandler Martin (Practice Squad)
It’s a little strange that Baltimore wouldn’t offer the courtesy of handing Kendricks a 53-man roster spot, especially with a sputtering defense and injuries hobbling Smith and Van Noy. The team must not have an opening at the moment.
Other free-agent linebackers, such as Josey Jewell, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, De’Vondre Campbell, and Jamin Davis, remain on the market, and perhaps Baltimore will explore one of those players’ willingness to sign onto the practice squad.
Kendricks with the Vikings
Kendricks had quite the career in Minnesota. Former general manager Rick Spielman pulled Kendricks out of the 2nd Round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the same one that produced Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs, and by 2019, he shapeshifted into a 1st-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Kendricks played marvelously at the peak of his powers and is an example of a player who started slow-ish in 2015 and 2016 before turning the corner into a magnificent defender by Year No. 3.
All told, Kendricks played 117 games for the Vikings, starting 113 and tabulating over 900 tackles, along with 54 for losses, and 9 interceptions.
When Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell took over the organization, they kept Kendricks aboard for one more season in 2022 and released him during the 2023 offseason. Kendricks then played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, followed by the aforementioned Cowboys in 2024.
Kyle Crabbs on Kendricks Turning Down BAL
A to Z Sports‘ Kyle Crabbs examined Kendricks’ refusal this week.
He wrote, “Their first choice, a former Pro Bowler and All-Pro, has reportedly passed on the opportunity to join the squad. Given the proximity to Baltimore’s Week 5 contest against the Houston Texans, it would be unlikely that Kendricks could step in and quarterback Baltimore’s defense like Smith is capable of (although even Smith hasn’t played to that standard this season) for this weekend.”
“But the Ravens certainly could have used his experience in the room. The rest of their linebacker room currently boasts two rookies in Buchanan and undrafted rookie Jay Higgins IV, plus Simpson and career special teamer Jake Hummel. Hummel has posted one career start on defense, while Simpson was a majority starter for the first time in 2024.”
Perhaps the Ravens brass will come to their senses and offer Kendricks a spot on the active roster later his week.
Crabbs added, “It’s hard to say whether Kendricks declining Baltimore says more about his belief and desire to start on an active roster or it says more about his perception of the situation in Baltimore — which has gotten ugly fast.”
“What is not hard to say, however, is that the Ravens should keep snooping around. They need all the help they can get right now.”
Baltimore will host the Houston Texans this week — without the services of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is nursing a hamstring injury — and is expected to lose by a point or two.
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