San Francisco, California – Today, 2025

The 49ers made a strategic roster adjustment this week as they continue navigating injuries and shifting roles within their linebacker group. With the defense absorbing more snaps and physical wear late in the season, San Francisco turned to experience rather than experimentation — a move that signals how seriously they are treating the final stretch.

The team opened a practice squad spot by releasing Stone Blanton, creating room for a veteran presence they believe can steady the center of the defense. Coaches have spent the past month cycling through combinations in the middle of the field, searching for reliability as the postseason race grows tighter and every assignment becomes heavier.

That need led them to Eric Kendricks — one of the most accomplished linebackers still available and a player the 49ers previously attempted to sign in 2024. His arrival comes with the weight of more than a decade of NFL production, including 147 career games, 142 starts, and a résumé highlighted by 1,174 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, and eight forced fumbles. Even last season with Dallas, he posted 138 tackles and remained a steady playmaker. The organization sees him as an immediate stabilizing force.

San Francisco views his experience as essential at a moment when the team cannot afford uncertainty. “Late-season football demands discipline, communication, and veteran instincts,” one team source told ESPN. “He checks every box.”

The coaching staff values his command of multiple defensive systems, his leadership in film rooms, and his proven ability to adapt quickly in pressure situations.

While he joins the practice squad for now, the opportunity ahead is unmistakable. The 49ers are preparing for a physically demanding schedule, and the expectation is that his role could expand as injuries or rotation needs arise. The move also reflects the front office’s belief that championship windows require depth anchored by trusted veterans rather than untested potential.

For San Francisco, the signing represents more than a roster shuffle — it is a deliberate investment in stability as the stakes rise. And for a defense built on precision and toughness, the timing could prove critical.