Leighton Vander Esch Fantasy

The Dallas Cowboys re-signed linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to a two-year deal worth $11 million on Tuesday, according to a source. The Cowboys had a big day on the defensive side of the ball on Tuesday, bringing back both Vander Esch and safety Donovan Wilson while also trading for All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Vander Esch had a very solid season in his fifth with Dallas, posting 90 tackles (54 solo), one sack, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 14 regular season starts. The 27-year-old probably won't ever be as good as he was in his rookie season and is injury-prone, but when healthy, he's a key contributor in the middle of Dallas' defense as a run-stopping linebacker.

Mar. 15th • 12:39 AM

According to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Cowboys have made "no progress" with linebacker Leighton Vander Esch on a new deal. The 27-year-old signed a one-year, $2 million contract last offseason to remain in Dallas and finished the 2022-23 campaign with 90 total tackles, the second-most on the team behind safety Donovan Wilson. With Dallas facing some tough financial decisions in the coming months surrounding Wilson, Dalton Schultz, Tony Pollard, and Ezekiel Elliott, among others, Vander Esch may have already played his final game with the Cowboys. However, the 2018 No. 19 overall pick will draw plenty of attention on the open market, although his history of neck issues is a cause for concern.

Mar. 3rd • 11:28 PM

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has ruled linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (shoulder) out for the Week 16 meeting with the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday due to a stinger that he suffered in Sunday's overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. The Cowboys have already clinched a postseason berth, so they could play it safe with some of their injured players down the stretch. The good news for Vander Esch is his injury isn't related to a neck issue that almost forced him into early retirement several years ago. It's not considered a long-term injury, so the 26-year-old could be back on the field for Dallas' D before the playoffs even begin. With the Cowboys playing on a short week next Thursday night, though, there's a good chance LVE won't be available for that game, either.

Dec. 19th • 7:23 PM