The Los Angeles Rams made a roster move this week that brings a familiar name back to Southern California, signing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to their practice squad on Tuesday. This addition is more than just a procedural step; it potentially sets the stage for a future change to the team's game day roster, offering a glimpse at how the team plans to address its linebacker depth.
Kendricks, who is 34 years old, last played for the San Francisco 49ers. During his tenure there last season, he provided valuable assistance, particularly as the team faced several losses within its linebacker group. His impact was evident in the postseason, where he recorded 19 tackles across two playoff games. Despite that recent contribution, Kendricks has been a free agent for the entirety of 2026 until this week's signing, making his return to an NFL roster a notable development.
For local fans, Kendricks is a known quantity, having played his college ball at UCLA. He was a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. After leaving Westwood, he spent a significant eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, building a reputation as a solid defender. His professional journey has also taken him through stints with other California teams, including the L.A. Chargers, and the 49ers, as well as the Dallas Cowboys. The Rams now represent his fifth career team. While joining the practice squad is an important first step, Kendricks still needs to either be elevated for specific game days or signed outright to the 53-man roster to see active play.
This strategic signing by the Rams arrives amid what appears to be an ongoing evaluation of their current linebacker talent. The team may not be completely satisfied with what they’ve seen from Omar Speights. As for Nate Landman, who signed a three-year, $22 million contract, the assessment is that he hasn’t been worth every penny of that deal. This suggests the competition for playing time and roster spots within the linebacker group remains wide open and continues to evolve.
The current situation with Kendricks joining the practice squad could follow a pattern he experienced previously. In 2025, for example, he was initially added to the 49ers' practice squad in November before making the jump to the active team in December. This historical parallel suggests a potential pathway for Kendricks to move from the Rams' practice squad to the active roster as the season progresses, providing the team with veteran experience when they might need it most.
