Cowboys Projected to Move on From Ex-Pro Bowler in 2024
This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys may decide to let go of a seasoned player in order to free up salary contract room.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Leighton Vander Esch, who has been a member of the Cowboys since he was drafted in 2018, may be a cap casualty this offseason. Vander Esch is the second player on Knox’s list of three Cowboys players who could lose their contracts due to cap violations.
Despite having a $4.4 million cap charge this season, Vander Esch has struggled with neck issues on several occasions throughout his career. To make matters worse, his season ended when, after five games, he sustained another neck injury that put him on injured reserve
This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys may decide to let go of a seasoned player in order to free up salary contract room.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Leighton Vander Esch, who has been a member of the Cowboys since he was drafted in 2018, may be a cap casualty this offseason. Vander Esch is the second player on Knox’s list of three Cowboys players who could lose their contracts due to cap violations.
Despite having a $4.4 million cap charge this season, Vander Esch has struggled with neck issues on several occasions throughout his career. To make matters worse, his season ended when, after five games, he sustained another neck injury that put him on injured reserve.
The 27-year-old linebacker has started every game since his debut year in 2018, when his outstanding play earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl. During his debut season, Vander Esch recorded 140 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions – figures he hasn’t yet matched. He also ranked second in solo tackles (102) and third in combined tackles.
Even though Vander Esch had a difficult period in his play soon after his rookie campaign, the Cowboys decided not to pick up his rookie contract’s fifth year in 2021.
He recovered with successful seasons in 2021 and 2022, and the Cowboys decided to re-sign him after each of those campaigns.
His durability and history of neck issues are the problem. In four of his six years in the NFL, Vander Esch has experienced neck problems that have caused his season to end early.
He recovered with successful seasons in 2021 and 2022, and the Cowboys decided to re-sign him after each of those campaigns.
His durability and history of neck issues are the problem. In four of his six years in the NFL, Vander Esch has experienced neck problems that have caused his season to end early.
