Why did the Vikings release Eric Kendricks? 3 Landing spots for the linebacker in the 2023 NFL Free Agency

The Minnesota Vikings released team stalwart Eric Kendricks during the offseason, shocking Vikings fans. However, the writing was on the wall the whole time, just that Kendrick's personality made it unthinkable.

The Vikings released Kendricks mainly due to his age (he just turned 31) and the fact that they look to be heading into a younger and fresher destination. Linebackers like Kendricks are known to plateau at some point, and the Vikings don't want to see that happen. Hence, they felt that it was a smart team move to let the much-loved veteran go.

The release of Eric Kendricks also made sense from a cap-saving perspective, as releasing him ensured that the Vikings saved $9.5 million against the 2023 cap. The postseason hopefuls entered the offseason needing to trim about $23 million. With his release, they are well on their way to achieving their aim.

Lastly, Eric Kendricks was released by the Vikings due to his drop in productivity. This was painfully obvious to even his staunchest fans how much he had dropped in his weekly performances. He was exposed in pass coverage during the 2022 season, and there are no guarantees that he would be an asset on a Brian Flores offense. Since no one is sure, what's the point of keeping him on the roster?

We understand that Kendricks is one of the most beloved players on the Vikings' roster, but the truth is that the NFL is a business. So, his release was nothing personal, but strictly business.

Three landing spots for Eric Kendricks

Here are some nice landing spots for a team in search of an elite linebacker.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

Returning to where it all began might be an appealing prospect for the now-chiseled veteran Kendricks. The Los Angeles Chargers are crying for a middle linebacker of his quality, and he could come at a bargain price.

Of course, a lot has changed since the Vikings drafted Eric Kendricks as a second-round pick in 2015 out of UCLA, but the Pro Bowler can still add value to the Chargers' defense. What's more, Kendricks can act as a role model and player-coach to 2020 first-round pick Kenneth Murray, who has yet to step up to the next level in the NFL.

2. Los Angeles Rams

Sticking with Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Rams aren't a team to pass up on Pro Bowl talent, so they will likely be super welcoming to an elite defender in Kendricks.

Kendricks can quickly step back into a starting role and join a talented cast led by game-wrecking pass-rusher Aaron Donald. The decision is in Kendricks' hands, and it's crystal clear he's spoiled for choice heading into free agency.

1. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are a few pieces away from being Super Bowl-ready, and the addition of Eric Kendricks could be just what they need. This could be even more pivotal as they might lose fellow Pro Bowler Tremaine Edmunds to free agency.

It could be a win-win for both parties, as Kendricks could be positioned to win the elusive Super Bowl ring, while the Bills will get an iconic LB to make the final push. What's more, the Bills play a 4-3 defense, which is the scheme Kendricks excelled in for seven of his eight seasons in Minnesota. This match could be made in football heaven, as long as Kendricks says yes to that proposal.