Cowboys Won't Exercise Leighton Vander Esch's Option
4 years agoThe Dallas Cowboys will not exercise linebacker Leighton Vander Esch's fifth-year option for the 2022 season due to ongoing salary cap uncertainty. They will instead hope to sign Vander Esch to a contract extension before his current deal expires following the 2021 season. While the Cowboys could still retain LVE beyond next season, it doesn't come as a surprise after the team selected Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons in the first round last Thursday. Vander Esch had 60 tackles last season, but he struggled in coverage and has a rather long injury history. The 25-year-old will need to stay healthy and bounce back in a contract year if he wants to remain in big D. The Cowboys invested heavily in the defensive side of the ball in this year's draft, so Vander Esch must perform if he wants to be part of the rebuild.
Source: NFL Network - Jane Slater
Source: NFL Network - Jane Slater