(MN Vikings) 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.”
Kendricks started 113 of the 117 games he played in Purple, showing a propensity to rack up tackles and make key plays.
No play by Kendricks was bigger for Minnesota last season than his goal-line recovery of a Josh Allen fumble for a touchdown at Buffalo. That score was the third of his career to go along with a 77-yard interception return for a TD at Tennessee in Week 1 of 2016 and a 31-yard pick-six against Cincinnati in Week 15 of 2017.
The touchdown against the Bengals helped clinch the NFC North for the Vikings, who finished the season at 13-3. In addition to playoff appearances that followed his 2015 rookie season, 2017 and 2019, Kendricks helped Minnesota go 13-4 to win the NFC North again in 2022, the team’s first season under Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and first time using a 3-4 base defense in decades.