The Chargers made just one external free agent signing, adding linebacker Eric Kendricks.
Kendricks returned to California, where he was born and played college football at UCLA after spending the past eight seasons with the Vikings.
Kendricks, 31, spoke with the media for the first time on Tuesday as the offseason program began, and elaborated on why he decided to come home.
“Honestly, they’re a good team,” Kendricks said. “They’re contenders, they have a good quarterback, a great coaching staff. Just having conversations with Coach Staley, I think the first time we talked, we maybe talked for an hour and a half. It was 11 p.m. and I got to know his personality a lot.”
Kendricks reunites with new linebackers coach Jeff Howard, who replaced Michael Wilhoite in that role. Howard spent seven seasons on Minnesota’s defensive staff as an assistant from 2015 to 2019, which was Kendrick’s first five years with the team.
“I’m glad that I can fit into this program, into this system, but also, I don’t have to do too much as I come in. I can get to know the guys, get to know the leaders on the team, like Khalil, and things like that and just play my role.”
Kendricks is one of the more decorated veteran linebackers in this league. And Brandon Staley couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to add not only his play-making to the positional room but his experience and leadership to replace Drue Tranquill, who signed with the Chiefs.
“This is my ninth year in the league. I’ve seen a lot. I’ve done a lot. Hopefully, my experiences can help everybody else around me. Like I said, I’m not pushing for that. I’m just going to come in here, be myself and play the game that I love to play.”