The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant addition to their roster by signing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks in free agency. The move comes after several days of negotiations and gives the Cowboys a boost in their linebacker corps.

Initially, it seemed like the San Francisco 49ers were the front-runners in acquiring Kendricks, as they reportedly made a strong offer to the linebacker. However, the opportunity to reunite with his former head coach, Mike Zimmer, swayed Kendricks towards the Cowboys.

The one-year deal signifies that Dallas has taken a deliberate approach to free agency, and the signing of Kendricks marks their first notable move of the offseason. Zimmer spoke highly of Kendricks, praising his intelligence, instincts, coverage skills, and familiarity with the defensive system.

The addition of Kendricks fills a significant need for the Cowboys, especially with uncertainty surrounding Leighton Vander Esch's future and the unknown status of DeMarvion Overshown coming off an ACL injury. Kendricks brings a wealth of experience, having registered over 100 tackles in each of the past eight seasons. Despite potential misconceptions about tackle numbers, Kendricks' aptitude in stopping the run was evident in his performance with the Chargers last year.

However, Kendricks' impact is not solely limited to on-field contributions. His presence and mentorship could prove invaluable in developing the young linebacking duo of Overshown and Damone Clark. Moreover, Kendricks' familiarity with Zimmer's defensive terminology will aid in facilitating a smoother transition for the team.

While this may not be the flashy free agent move that Cowboys fans were expecting, securing Kendricks addresses a glaring roster hole and strengthens the linebacking core. Additionally, the acquisition adds a touch of glory for Dallas, as they managed to outbid their NFC rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, for Kendricks' services.

With the signing of Kendricks, the Cowboys have taken a significant step towards fortifying their roster for the upcoming season. As fans eagerly await the start of training camp and subsequent on-field action, the presence of Kendricks promises to make an impact on and off the field for the Cowboys.