The Dallas Cowboys have been having a tough offseason thus far. The Cowboys finally got a little bit of sunshine, as they reportedly are re-signing linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to a one-year deal. As NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, the Cowboys former first-round pick will be back in Dallas in 2022.
Source: The #Cowboys have agreed to terms on a 1-year deal with LB Leighton Vander Esch. Their former first round pick is back.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022
Vander Esch burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2018. He posted 140 tackles, 102 of them solo and picked off a couple passes. His play-making and speed had Cowboys fans excited as it appeared they finally had the long-term replacement for Sean Lee. Lee finally retired prior to the 2021 NFL season amid numerous concussion issues.
Vander Esch, however, took a step back the next couple of seasons after that explosive rookie year. Injuries played a big part in that. The Cowboys linebacker missed a total of 13 games between the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Last year, he finally was healthy again all season playing in all 17 games. However, he took a back seat to rising star Micah Parsons and his production dipped. His snaps played also took a hit.
Nevertheless, he is still a young, talented linebacker that Dallas could use. Earlier in the week, Dallas thought they had re-signed Randy Gregory to help their pass rush. Only to find out at the last minute he had decided to sign with the Denver Broncos instead.
Dallas will be looking to become the first team since the 2003-2004 Philadelphia Eagles to win the NFC East in consecutive seasons.
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