DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - After the dust settled on the Cowboys selection of Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, attention immediately went to the elephant in the room - What does this pick mean for Leighton Vander Esch?
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said earlier this week on 105.3 The Fan that the team hadn't "had deep discussions" on whether or not they would be picking up the 5th-year option on Vander Esch's contract with the deadline coming on Monday, May 3.
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"That'll certainly be coming up for us, and we’ll be discussing that after the draft," Jones added.
105.3 The Fan believed the Cowboys were waiting to decide whether or not they would pick up that option in case they were able to get a linebacker with one of their top picks this week.
And that's exactly what happened last night with the selection of Parsons...
So, where do things stand now after the pick?
“I don’t think it affects it,” Jones said at the team's post-first round press conference. “We’ll make a decision on Leighton — we’ll make that decision when the time comes. We’ve got some discussions to have on that, period.”
Vander Esch has missed a total of 13 games over the last two seasons with various injuries. If the Cowboys were to pick up his option, his contract would be extended for the 2022 season. If not, he'll be a free agent after the upcoming season.
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