DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch future with the franchise has come into question over the last few weeks, following the selection and unprecedented success of rookie Micah Parsons this past season.
However, that future has now been decided, at least in the short term, with the Cowboys electing to sign Vander Esch to a 1-year extension, per multiple reports.
Vander Esch, who has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, has been productive and effective when healthy, accumulating 132 tackles and two tackles for loss in 19 games over that time.
As a result of those injuries, which are still a major concern moving forward, the Cowboys elected to decline Vander Esch's fifth year option, while also bringing in a pair of rookie linebackers in Parsons and Jabril Cox, and free agent Keanu Neal, to reinforce the position.
While those decisions did not ultimately effect an extension for Vander Esch the fourth-year linebacker will have to prove his ability to stay on the field going forward, or risk hitting the free agent market after the 2022 season.
In his only fully healthy season in 2018 as a rookie, Vander Esch had 140 tackles, and was a Pro Bowl selection.
Related
