Minnesota Vikings Release Team Captain and Former All-Pro in a Shocking Move
Minnesota Vikings Release Eric Kendricks, Veteran Linebacker and Former All-Pro, in Salary Cap Purge
The Minnesota Vikings have terminated the contract of veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, starting their salary cap purge ahead of free agency. Kendricks, who started 113 regular season games for the Vikings and was voted a captain by his teammates, had been with the team for eight years after being drafted in the second round in 2015 out of UCLA. He was a 2019 All-Pro and one of the club's most active players in community service, earning the nomination for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The move will save the Vikings $9.5 million against their salary cap, with more trimming expected before free agency begins next week. Although cutting Kendricks costs the team $1.93 million in dead money, they are high on 2022 third-round draft pick Brian Asamoah, who is expected to step into the vacated starting spot.
Despite releasing Kendricks, the Vikings expressed their appreciation for his contributions to the team. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, head coach Kevin O'Connell, and owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf all included farewell statements in the team's announcement.
O'Connell praised Kendricks for his critical role as a captain and member of the leadership council in helping establish the culture the team wants in Minnesota. He was also a mentor to younger teammates and set a standard with his tireless work ethic.
The Vikings' decision to release Kendricks signals a significant change for the team, and it remains to be seen how the roster will evolve further in the coming weeks.
| POLL | ||
6 MARS | 42 ANSWERS Minnesota Vikings Release Team Captain and Former All-Pro in a Shocking Move Should the Bears look into adding Eric Kendricks to the roster? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 45.2 % |
| No | 23 | 54.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
