The Vikings Are Releasing A Former All-Pro Linebacker

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings were one of the NFL’s most intriguing teams in 2022.

While they had a potent offense, they also had one of the league’s worst defenses.

This resulted in the Vikings playing in over ten one-score games throughout the season.

The Vikings did end up winning a bulk of their one-score games, but ultimately, fell short in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

When looking ahead to the 2023 season, the Vikings will be forced to rebuild without one of their defensive cornerstones.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Vikings are releasing Eric Kendricks.

The #Vikings are releasing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, per sources.

A first-team All-Pro in 2019 and one of the NFL’s most consistently productive LBs, Kendricks now heads to free agency. pic.twitter.com/1090Ws7MlH

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 6, 2023

Kendricks was a difference-maker on the Vikings defense, and will now test the free-agent market.

During his eight years on the Vikings, Kendrick amassed 919 total tackles, 15 sacks, and nine interceptions.

Kendricks was a first-team All-Pro in 2019 and was also selected to the Pro Bowl that season.

Although Kendricks is 31 years old, he should be a prime linebacker candidate for many teams, especially a team that is expected to contend in 2023.

The Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals are all examples of teams that could employ Kendricks’ services.

These are three teams that are in win-now mode.

Even having Kendricks on the roster for one season could be impactful to their locker room, not to mention his on-field efforts.

Kendricks has spent his entire career as a member of the Vikings and has impacted their organization in so many ways.

Where will he ultimately end up in 2023, knowing that his playing days are numbered?

NFL Bulletin