Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee's career can be encapsulated in one phrase: what if?

It is obvious that Lee has been one of the game's most talented linebackers during his nine-year NFL career, but a myriad of injuries has never allowed him to reach his full potential.

Now, after another season riddle with injuries, Lee must contemplate his future.

The 32-year-old is under contract through the end of next season, but he has a potential out in his deal this offseason, and whether or not the Cowboys bring him back is debatable.

Lee, who played his collegiate football at Penn State University, was originally selected by Dallas in the second round (55th pick overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

He had a very limited role during his rookie campaign, but in his second season, he flashed his enormous potential, racking up 103 tackles, four interceptions, a fumble recovery and seven passes defended.

Then, injuries began to hit, as Lee was limited to just six games in 2012, and in 2013, he played in only 11 games but still managed to tally 99 tackles, four picks, a fumble recovery, six passes defended and a defensive touchdown.

Things than got worse for Lee in 2014, as he tore his ACL in May, marking the third time he had torn his ACL in his lifetime.

He was able to return and make the Pro Bowl in 2015 and followed that up with another Pro Bowl appearance and a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2016, but Lee managed to play in just 18 games combined the last two seasons.

The Pittsburgh native has never played a full 16-game campaign.