Mychal Kendricks rumors: 3 perfect fits

Standout linebacker Mychal Kendricks was just cut loose by the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Which teams could use him the most?

Depth on both sides of the football was a big reason the Philadelphia Eagles were able to overcome some big injuries and capture the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl championship in 2017. The Birds saw front-line players like quarterback Carson Wentz, left tackle Jason Peters and middle linebacker Jordan Hicks eventually lost for the season and as a team come up big in the biggest game of the year.

This offseason, the Eagles have lost their share of quality players in free agency. But general manager Howie Roseman has also been able to offset those losses with trades and signings of his own. However, the franchise has now opted to part ways with a very talented defender who has been the subject of trade rumors over the last few years.

Inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks, a second-round pick from the University of California back in 2012, started at least 10 games in five of his six seasons in the City of Brotherly Love. His versatility was a big plus for the Philadelphia defense. During his career he racked up his share of tackles, to go along with 14 sacks, three interceptions, five fumble recoveries and 27 passes defensed.

Now the 27-year-old performer hits the open market. And it doesn’t figure to be long before he has a new NFL address. So which three clubs could best use his services?

Best Fits

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s perhaps the first team that is on a lot of people’s minds. Coordinator Keith Butler’s defensive unit just wasn’t the same once inside linebacker Ryan Shazier went down late in 2017. And this was a Pittsburgh defense that was already shaky at best when it came to stopping the pass. Losing a Pro Bowler inside made the Steelers even more vulnerable to the run. The team did sign plugger Jon Bostic to help with the aforementioned issue but he’s not much when it comes to pass coverage. Kendricks could solve quite a few issues for Mike Tomlin’s team. By the way, it’s interesting to note that general manager Kevin Colbert did not use a draft choice on a linebacker in April.

2. Los Angeles Rams

While Sean McVay’s club was busy adding defenders such as Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib to Wade Phillips’ unit, this was also a group that gave up the fifth-most rushing yards in the league in 2017. The Rams did deal away productive Alec Ogletree this offseason (New York Giants) and they still have Mark Barron on the inside. Three-year pro Bryce Hager and former Kansas City Chiefs’ defender Ramik Wilson are in the mix for the job next to Barron. But could Kendricks swoop in and steal a starting spot?

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3. Green Bay Packers

While the talk in “Titletown”once again surrounds prolific quarterback Aaron Rodgers, where does the Green Bay defense stand these days? Dom Capers is gone and the new coordinator is Mike Pettine, who has made the rounds in the league. He takes over a club that finished 22nd in the NFL in total yards allowed per game. The Packers were also 17th in the league against the run. This is a unit that is overdue to pull its weight and a playmaker such as Kendricks would be a major addition, as well as someone to provide some depth to starters Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan…or even more?