In his 20s, Devon Kennard experienced the frenzy of free agency, signing lucrative multi-year deals with the Lions and Cardinals early in the process.
The veteran edge rusher is at a different stage in his career now, fully aware he won’t be riding that first wave next week.
This time around, the pace will be slower and the decision will be measured.
Does the 31-year-old want to play in 2023? Absolutely, but on his terms.
“I still feel like I can play and contribute defensively in a major way,” Kennard said. “That’s definitely my intention, and I’m training my butt off getting ready for that. With that said, I’m looking for the right situation and opportunity. I want to go to a place that really wants me and sees a role for me. If that situation comes up and it’s the right fit, I’m absolutely all-in and on board, (but) I’m not just going to take a 90-man roster spot in any situation and hope for the best.
“I want to feel courted and wanted. I want to feel like it’s a good situation and a good opportunity. That’s all I need. Give me a great, fair opportunity and I’ll run with it from there, like I have my whole career.”
The 2022 season was eye-opening for Kennard.
He was released by the Cardinals on Oct. 15 and quickly picked up by the Ravens.
More edge help in Baltimore: OLB Devon Kennard is signing to the #Ravens practice squad, source said. He’s been active for every game this year in AZ.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2022
Within the next two weeks, he played in two games four days apart, all the while dealing with a cross-country move.
“When I left Arizona, I had less than 24 hours — really, 12 hours — to pack a bag, kiss my babies and my wife, then hop on a flight,” Kennard said. “I was in Baltimore for seven, eight weeks and it’s not an easy thing to do, trying to FaceTime my kids every day. They’re asking where I’m at, and they’re acting up a little bit. They miss Daddy.”
Kennard said that experience has helped align his priorities when it comes to free agency.
“Those are hard things, and they are sacrifices I’m willing to make, but it has to be the right situation,” said Kennard, who has built an impressive real estate portfolio off the field. “I know it’s temporary and my girls will be OK, but I’m not going to do that for any situation. Not at this point in my career.
“There is a shift once you’ve had a level of success in this league. I just finished my ninth year and I’ve accomplished a lot in this league and put in a lot of years. I’m definitely at the point where I’m more than happy to make that sacrifice, but it has to be the right situation, the right team and right opportunity.”
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Kennard is working out in Arizona and would be ready for offseason activities with a club, but wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t summoned until after the draft, when teams better understand their need for veteran help.
“I’ve been on the other side of this where I knew where I was going and what the situation was going to be a day before free agency started,” Kennard said. “When I went to Detroit and signed with the Cardinals, I knew pretty much immediately. I’m very much aware that won’t be my experience this time around, and I’m completely fine with that. I want a good situation.
“Even if it’s after the draft, I want a team that sees a fit for me. If a team brings me in now, I’d have to feel very comfortable about getting a legit opportunity. If that happens, great, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s after the draft or leading up to training camp. Teams fill out their rosters and then they look at: ‘What do we need at this point, now that we have all of our main pieces?’ I’d be surprised if I’m in the first bunch, but I’m preparing and ready for the second wave, all the way through leading up to training camp. We’ll see how it goes.”
