The Dallas Cowboys typically prioritize re-signing their own free agents, but that wasn't the case this offseason.
While they inked Osa Odigzhiuwa to a lucrative extension, they let key players like Jourdan Lewis, DeMarcus Lawrence, Chauncey Golston and Rico Dowdle sign elsewhere.
If you can believe it, several Cowboys are still unemployed with training camp right around the corner. While it's not surprising that Linval Joseph and Nick Vigil fit that bill, former starting linebacker Eric Kendricks somehow hasn't found a home.
Former Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks is still a free agent
Kendricks was one of Dallas' top defenders last season along with Micah Parsons, Odighizuwa and DeMarvion Overshown. That is impressive company for the grizzled vet.
Signed to be the field general in Mike Zimmer's defense, Kendricks brought much-needed consistency and a reassuring presence in the LB room. His 138 combined tackles were his most since 2021.
The advanced stats paint a stronger picture of Kendricks' performance. He ranked 16th among linebackers with 48 defensive stops, fifth with three forced fumbles, 13th with three sacks and 12th with a 78.5 pass-rush grade, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). His 918 total snaps ranked 25th at the position, so he was indispensable.
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That is all the Cowboys could have asked for from the then-32-year-old. It begs the question of why he remains unemployed as we approach the end of June.
It is possible Kendricks is intentionally waiting to sign before training camp. Approaching his mid-30s and coming off another heavy workload, the former All-Pro may not care for going through OTAs and minicamp. Those settings are more valuable for new coaches and first- and second-year players.
That is not to undermine Kendricks' leadership. He is an A+ in that department. A lot of players take that approach at this stage of their careers. Former Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore, entering his age-35 season, remains unsigned as well.
In addition to Kendricks and Gilmore, other household names like Amari Cooper (31), Jadeveon Clowney (32), Keenan Allen (33), Brandon Scherff (33), Za'Darius Smith (32) and Justin Simmons (31) are all still braving the free agent waters.
While getting up there in age, that entire group (including Kendricks and Gilmore) belongs on an NFL roster and deserves to be starting.
As for Kendricks, there hasn't been anything to suggest he's mulling retirement. He might just be waiting for the perfect opportunity. Injuries have a tendency to ramp up in training camp. He'll find a new team before long, but his level of play in 2024 is not why he's still waiting.
That's for sure.