Chargers gushing over addition of linebacker Eric Kendricks

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks stands on the field last season without his helmet

Staff Writer

March 27, 2023 Updated 6:33 PM PT

PHOENIX — Drue Tranquill just led the Chargers in tackles, finished tied for third in sacks and established himself as a down-in, down-out defensive leader.

Still, coach Brandon Staley said Monday that the allure of free agent Eric Kendricks was too much to pass up.

“He’s one of the most complete linebackers in the last decade,” Staley, speaking at the NFL’s owners meetings, said of Kendricks. “You’re talking about five to seven players that are as complete a linebacker as he is.”

So the Chargers signed Kendricks this month after Minnesota released the eight-year veteran.

Tranquill, a 2019 fourth-round pick of the Chargers, then signed with Kansas City, one of their AFC West rivals.

“I love the way he plays the game,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Tranquill. “He’s smart. He’s aggressive, good cover guy. He’s big.”

Staley praised Tranquill for his contributions and wished him luck with Kansas City.

Staley then turned his attention to Kendricks, who likely will assume Tranquill’s role of relaying the signals in the defensive huddle.

“A true commander,” he said. “A tackling machine — sideline to sideline, in the box, physicality. He’s one of the best passing-game linebackers in the last decade.”

Staley also noted Kendricks’ instincts, energy and ability to communicate. He said he expects the transition to the Chargers to be “seamless” because the Vikings employ a similar scheme.

Other highlights of Staley’s 30-minute session with reporters:

Ekeler and Chargers are still together but apart: The Chargers and running back Austin Ekeler remain at odds over his contract, but both sides publicly have said the right things to date.

Speaking on former NFL player Chris Long’s podcast last week, Ekeler explained that he hoped to remain with the team but is still seeking what he believes is more adequate compensation.

Staley spoke at length and effusively about what Ekeler has meant to the Chargers since Staley took over as coach two years ago.

“I know that [general manager] Tom [Telesco] and I want him to be a part of our football team,” Staley said. “We see him as someone that’s going to help us win a world championship. But we’re also respectful of the position that he’s in within his career and what he’s looking for too.

“We’re going to be patient, but we love Austin Ekeler. … To me, it’s not a big deal. It’s just part of it. As long the respect factor is high on both sides, there’ll be a good conclusion. When that is, I don’t know.”

Ekeler, who has a 2023 base salary of $6.25 million in the final season of a four-year extension, received permission to seek a trade, after talks with the Chargers on a new deal lagged.

He and his agent, Cameron Weiss, are operating in a market in which the value of running backs has diminished in recent seasons, that trend continuing over the first two weeks of free agency.

As leverage, Ekeler has an NFL-best 38 touchdowns over the last two seasons and back-to-back years of more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage. Staley called Ekeler “a pillar of our offense.”

He also said he hasn’t thought so far ahead as to envision Ekeler no longer being on the team.

“I know what we’ve accomplished together,” Staley said. “That’s where my focus is. ‘Hey, we’ve had two really special years.’ We had a vision for this guy, and he’s certainly done his part. … And I think we’ve lived up to what we said we would do for him too. That’s why I say the respect factor is high.”

If the situation remains unsettled into training camp, Ekeler could report but not practice, something safety Derwin James Jr. did last year before agreeing to an extension.

Herbert and his big bucks: Another contractual situation for the Chargers involves quarterback Justin Herbert, who is eligible for his first extension.

“I think those talks are ongoing,” Staley said. “We’re at the beginning of all of that. But we all know how we feel about him. … We have a very good relationship with his team. I’m confident Justin Herbert’s going to be our quarterback for a long time and that we’ll make sure we get a great deal done.”

Herbert eventually figures to receive a contract with an average annual value in the neighborhood of $50 million. He will join a growing group of quarterbacks with at least $100 million fully guaranteed. That group now numbers five.

“These contracts are really complex,” Staley said. “You’re talking about a lot of different things, and there are other quarterbacks that are going through the same thing right now. Just be patient.”

Tight end talk: The Chargers have Gerald Everett and recently re-signed Donald Parham Jr. to go along with the still-developing Tre’ McKitty. But tight end remains a position of need, one that could be addressed early in the NFL draft.

“As a head coach, I believe gaps and vertical threats is how you really stress defenses,” Staley said. “I think we have a good room right now, but you’re always looking to add.”

New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore also has had success in the past employing multiple tight ends.

Among the top incoming players at the position are Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer and Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave.

“When you can find it,” Staley said, “it changes the way people have to play you.”

Short stuff: Staley said the Chargers remain in contact with wide receiver/kick returner DeAndre Carter and would like to re-sign him. … As expected, Staley said the Chargers plan to start Jamaree Salyer at guard, where they need to replace the released Matt Feiler. Telesco said the intention is to put Salyer at right guard and move Zion Johnson to the left side. … Staley also said the plan right now is for Easton Stick to back up Herbert. “He’s a great fit for how we want to play,” Staley said. “He and Justin have a really good relationship. It’s a great quarterback environment with those two.”

Times staff writer Gary Klein contributed to this report.