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Thanks for the memories, EK

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Kendricks just released.

#1 · Mar 6, 7:10 AM
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More to follow...

#2 · Mar 6, 7:15 AM
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#3 · Mar 6, 7:20 AM
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EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Monday terminated the contract of Eric Kendricks — a mainstay in the middle of Minnesota's defense for eight seasons, a 2019 First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler, champion for social justice and the 2020 Vikings Community Man of the Year. The termination of Kendricks' contract means he is free to sign with any suitor before leaguewide free agency begins on March 15. Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released the following statement: "As a Pro Bowler and team captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and a leader of the Vikings social justice efforts, Eric leaves a powerful, permanent legacy within our organization and the Minnesota community. While he is best known as a playmaker and respected linebacker across the league, Eric's contributions to the Vikings extend far beyond the field because of his selfless and unwavering commitment to improving societal issues. I have the utmost respect for Eric and wish him and Ally, along with their growing family, continued success in their next chapter."
Serving as a season-long captain for the first time, Kendricks wore the green dot helmet with the communications device and finished 2022 with 137 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, a sack and six passes defensed.

"It is extremely difficult to start more than 100 games in this league, but Eric has been a staple in the locker room since he entered the NFL," O'Connell said in a statement. "During my first year as head coach, Eric played a critical role as a captain and a member of the leadership council in helping establish the culture we want in Minnesota. He was a consistent mentor to his younger teammates, and his tireless work ethic set a standard for others to emulate.
"I'm thankful to have had the chance to coach Eric as a player and get to know him as a person," O'Connell added. "I know he and Ally will have an immediate positive impact on their next team and community."
Kendricks led Minnesota in tackles in seven of his eight seasons, which ranks second behind Vikings Ring of Honor linebacker Scott Studwell's eight such seasons.
The California native led Minnesota in tackles in 66 games, a franchise record, and has totaled 919 tackles, which ranks second among NFL players behind only Bobby Wagner since 2015.
Kendricks recorded 54 tackles for loss, matching his jersey number and ranking third all-time among Vikings linebackers behind E.J. Henderson (67) and Chad Greenway (62). He also totaled 51 passes defensed, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and nine interceptions. Kendricks started all six playoff games the Vikings have played in since 2015, totaling 43 tackles, seven passes defensed and an interception.
As the stats stacked up, Kendricks found more and more ways — and confidence — in speaking up on behalf of social justice issues. He had regularly participated in community events organized by teammates and the club before launching multiple initiatives to give back. Having grown up in a single-parent household, Kendricks authentically knows how tough times can be for those facing adversities.
He quietly visited youth housed at the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center seven times from 2018-19 and continued virtual visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kendricks also exchanged letters with many of the youth to encourage them.
The 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis further inspired Kendricks' push for social justice reforms. He posted a raw video in which he emotionally challenged those in position to help to do more. His heart to make things better for others was clear in the video and beyond.
"Eric's impact on our franchise over the past eight years has been immeasurable," Vikings Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a joint statement. "At the core of our defense, Eric exemplified perfectly what it means to be a Minnesota Viking. He was the ultimate competitor and an incredible leader who set a high standard and consistently carried himself with class. Off the field, Eric set an example for others with his passion for giving back and using his platform to drive positive change. We especially appreciate his immediate contributions as an original member of the team's Social Justice Committee and his partnership with us in the fight against social and racial inequities. We are grateful to Eric and his wife, Ally, and look forward to watching them continue to make a difference in the future."



https://www.vikings.com/news/eric-kendricks-linebacker-released-roster-contract-terminated

#4 · Mar 6, 7:23 AM
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Not sure what this means in terms of the direction Flores is going?

An early release like this gives EK a bit of a head-start to find a new home if he wants to continue playing after 8 seasons. 

I would be surprised of Hicks isnt next - but that would start to leave the LB cupboard feeling pretty bare. 

#5 · Mar 6, 7:26 AM
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Vikings need to get younger and faster on defense.  This needed to happen in order to do that.

Much love for Kendricks and all he's done for us, wish him the best.

#6 · Mar 6, 7:56 AM
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9 days till the new league year begins and the Vikings need to clear $23mm+ in cap space by then...That works out to about $2.6mm/day between now and 3/15  :p

#7 · Mar 6, 8:00 AM
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@"Wetlander" said: Vikings need to get younger and faster on defense.  This needed to happen in order to do that.

Much love for Kendricks and all he's done for us, wish him the best.


This. Its as simple as that. This team lacks speed on D. 

#8 · Mar 6, 8:30 AM
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@"StickyBun" said:
@"Wetlander" said: Vikings need to get younger and faster on defense.  This needed to happen in order to do that.

Much love for Kendricks and all he's done for us, wish him the best.


This. Its as simple as that. This team lacks speed on D. 


We lack speed on O too, Thielen should be next...

#9 · Mar 6, 8:41 AM
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Reading more, EK release clears about $9.5mm in cap. 

So about 1/3 of the $24mm they are currently over. 

#10 · Mar 6, 9:14 AM
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Players come and go.  Nature of the business.  Thanks EK for giving your all for the Vikings!  You will be remembered and honored!  Best of luck for you and your family in all your future endeavors.

#11 · Mar 6, 9:40 AM
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Thanks EK. Good luck except against the Vikings 

#12 · Mar 6, 9:47 AM
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He was done. Was worried they would try to run it all back again.

#13 · Mar 6, 10:04 AM
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One of my favorite players. Wishing EK nothing but the best in the future.

#14 · Mar 6, 10:23 AM
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#15 · Mar 6, 11:08 AM
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EK was a stud in Zimmer's 4-3, and was a big part of the Double A Gap pressure.  But he was miscast in the 3-4.  Good luck to him, he was always fun to watch.

#16 · Mar 6, 11:13 AM
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@"greediron" said: EK was a stud in Zimmer's 4-3, and was a big part of the Double A Gap pressure.  But he was miscast in the 3-4.  Good luck to him, he was always fun to watch.
Yeah everybody keeps thinking he "fell off" when the reality was he was never a good fit for a 3-4 defense. Like I said, I saw numerous times last season where lineman got a free release off the ball where we were playing two down lineman, got to the second level on the LB's and they were essentially taken out of a play. Everything, and I mean everything from the scheme to the pass coverages was beyond awful last season under Donatell. I expect Kendricks to bounce back next year on a new team running a scheme that better fits him. 
#17 · Mar 6, 11:37 AM
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I’m not sure I can tell if he was miscast in a 3-4 vs nobody
having an instinctual understanding of what they were supposed to do because
Donatelle wasn’t great as a DC at implementing his defense.  I think Kendricks is a guy who depends so
much on reading things quickly and being the fastest reactor on the field, and
I think if he’s not able to read things quickly his more average level of speed
isn’t going to make up for it.  I’m
pretty skeptical that you could have put a generic fast LB into his spot last
year and there’d be any positive difference.
Regardless, he was a great contributor here and the locker
room will miss his presence.  That said,
we’re going to face no shortage of tough decisions in the next couple years,
and the more we have to get our young offensive studs long deals the more we’re
going to feel cramped in other areas.

#18 · Mar 6, 11:38 AM
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@"supafreak84" said:
@"greediron" said: EK was a stud in Zimmer's 4-3, and was a big part of the Double A Gap pressure.  But he was miscast in the 3-4.  Good luck to him, he was always fun to watch.
Yeah everybody keeps thinking he "fell off" when the reality was he was never a good fit for a 3-4 defense. Like I said, I saw numerous times last season where lineman got a free release off the ball where we were playing two down lineman, got to the second level on the LB's and they were essentially taken out of a play. Everything, and I mean everything from the scheme to the pass coverages was beyond awful last season under Donatell. I expect Kendricks to bounce back next year on a new team running a scheme that better fits him. 
but yet he won the Butkus award in college playing in a 34 IIRC.
#19 · Mar 6, 11:43 AM
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My favorite Viking defensive players since Winfield, I think he was the most talented defensive player we had and was totally not used correctly in the 3-4, would have brought in a 4-3 coach to take advantage of him and Hunter.  I am confident he will have a great year this year in a 4-3 and will show he is not declining.  Flores in, Kendricks out, the class and integrity of this defense has taken a dramatic hit.  

#20 · Mar 6, 11:53 AM
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@"JimmyinSD" said:
@"supafreak84" said:
@"greediron" said: EK was a stud in Zimmer's 4-3, and was a big part of the Double A Gap pressure.  But he was miscast in the 3-4.  Good luck to him, he was always fun to watch.
Yeah everybody keeps thinking he "fell off" when the reality was he was never a good fit for a 3-4 defense. Like I said, I saw numerous times last season where lineman got a free release off the ball where we were playing two down lineman, got to the second level on the LB's and they were essentially taken out of a play. Everything, and I mean everything from the scheme to the pass coverages was beyond awful last season under Donatell. I expect Kendricks to bounce back next year on a new team running a scheme that better fits him. 
but yet he won the Butkus award in college playing in a 34 IIRC.
I don't recall how much 3-4 he played while at UCLA but things you can get away with and be effective at in college doesn't always transfer to the pro game and we all knew going in last year that transitioning to a 3-4 was not going to play to the strengths of Kendricks. IMO the scheme change and general confusion relating to pass coverage played much more into his decline than anything physically. 
#21 · Mar 6, 4:36 PM
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Forum › The Longship › Thanks for the memories, EK

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