Leighton Vander Esch Fantasy

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.

Jun. 2nd • 1:10 PM

The Dallas Cowboys will not exercise linebacker Leighton Vander Esch's fifth-year option for the 2022 season due to ongoing salary cap uncertainty. They will instead hope to sign Vander Esch to a contract extension before his current deal expires following the 2021 season. While the Cowboys could still retain LVE beyond next season, it doesn't come as a surprise after the team selected Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons in the first round last Thursday. Vander Esch had 60 tackles last season, but he struggled in coverage and has a rather long injury history. The 25-year-old will need to stay healthy and bounce back in a contract year if he wants to remain in big D. The Cowboys invested heavily in the defensive side of the ball in this year's draft, so Vander Esch must perform if he wants to be part of the rebuild.

May. 3rd • 4:46 PM

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (ankle) and nose tackle Antwaun Woods (ankle) will not practice this week, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. Vander Esch is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and is likely to miss the final two games of the regular season. That's a big blow to the interior of Dallas' defense against the Eagles and impressive rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts in Week 16. If that's it for LVE in 2020, the linebacker will finish with 60 combined tackles, a forced fumble and a sack in 10 games for Dallas. He's played in just 19 games over the last two seasons due to injuries, but he's in play in IDP leagues when healthy. The Cowboys Defense shouldn't be trusted in fantasy lineups, especially without Vander Esch, in Week 16 against Philadelphia.

Dec. 23rd • 2:49 PM