Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (neck) has decided to medically retire, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 2018 first-round pick by Dallas spent six seasons with the organization, racking up 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three interceptions, 13 passes defended, and 25 run stuffs in 72 career games. He was named to the Pro Bowl and received All-Pro honors in his rookie season, but he battled injuries for the rest of his career. Vander Esch played in all of the team's games just twice in his six years in the NFL. In Week 5 of last season, he suffered a major neck injury, effectively ending his 2023 campaign. That appears to be the final straw for the 28-year-old as he heads into life after football.
The Dallas Cowboys are releasing linebacker Leighton Vander Esch after six seasons with the organization, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. Vander Esch racked up 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three interceptions, 13 passes defended, and 25 run stuffs in 72 games after being selected by America's Team with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned a second-team All-Pro selection in his rookie season, but he has struggled with injury issues since. Last year, Vander Esch played in just six games before suffering a season-ending neck injury. He will likely draw interest on the open market, but he'll probably be limited to a cheap, one-year contract.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (neck) will miss the rest of the 2023 season due to a neck injury, and the rest of his career is also in jeopardy, according to owner Jerry Jones. Esch has a long history of neck injuries and was also born with cervical spinal stenosis, so he is not going to return from Injured Reserve this year. It's a big loss for the Cowboys defense, as the 27-year-old was playing well before his latest neck injury this year with 30 tackles (17 solo) and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in five games for Dallas. The former first-rounder had a fusion procedure on his neck after the 2019 season and missed time with collarbone, ankle and neck injuries in 2020 and 2021. He also missed the final four games in last year's regular season due to a stinger. The Cowboys have moved Damone Clark to Vander Esch's spot.
Cowboys Re-Sign Leighton Vander Esch To Two-Year Deal
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.
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.
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.
While Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (shoulder) may miss some time after getting injured in the Week 15 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, he actually received some good news. His MRI revealed a right shoulder stinger and not a neck injury, according to a source. Vander Esch had a neck issue years ago, but his MRI and a CT scan showed that this new injury is unrelated. It's unclear when the 26-year-old will be able to get back on the field, but he's unlikely to play in Week 16 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this Saturday. LVE has managed to stay healthy for the most part the last two seasons and has bounced back in 2022, recording 90 tackles (54 solo), four tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble in 14 games for Dallas. Hopefully he'll be ready for the playoffs.
Leighton Vander Esch Suffers Neck Injury On Sunday
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (neck) was ruled out of Sunday's overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. While speaking after the game, head coach Mike McCarthy expressed concern regarding Vander Esch's injury, especially since the 26-year-old has had surgery on his neck in the past. The 2018 No. 19 overall pick is having his best season in years, totaling 90 tackles throughout 13 games. However, it's possible IDP managers may not see him back on the field this season.
The Dallas Cowboys agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with linebacker Leighton Vander Esch on Friday, according to a source. The Cowboys bring their former first-round pick back, and it's a deal that makes sense for Dallas with young star pass-rusher Micah Parsons set to play a significant number of snaps on the edge. Vander Esch was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season in 2018 and played a full season in 2021, but he was used in more of a rotational role. The 26-year-old finished with 77 tackles (48 solo), four tackles for loss, one interception and one sack in 16 starts. Injuries were a problem for him in 2019 and 2020, as he played a combined 19 games in those two seasons. Vander Esch won't be an option in IDP leagues again this year if he's back in a rotational role.
Cowboys Not Interested In Trading Leighton Vander Esch
The Dallas Cowboys declined linebacker Leighton Vander Esch's fifth-year option this offseason, drafted Micah Parsons and Jabril Cox and signed Keanu Neal, but the Cowboys are not interested in trading Vander Esch, according to a source informed of the situation. Jaylon Smith is also signed to a long-term deal that includes guaranteed money this year. Vander Esch remains very much a part of the team's defensive plan in 2021 and beyond as he enters a contract year. The 25-year-old former first-round pick can be a sideline-to-sideline menace at times, but he's also struggled in coverage. Injuries have also caused him to miss 13 games in the last two seasons, including six in 2020. There's still time for LVE to turn it around, but he won't be high on anyone's IDP list at the linebacker position heading into the season.
