Has Leighton Vander Esch played his last down with the Cowboys?
On Monday night, Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken reported Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch "most likely" won't be back this season. The news follows a neck injury suffered by Vander Esch during the Cowboys' Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. As many Dallas fans might remember, the linebacker had neck concerns since he […]
On Monday night, Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken reported Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch "most likely" won't be back this season.
The news follows a neck injury suffered by Vander Esch during the Cowboys' Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. As many Dallas fans might remember, the linebacker had neck concerns since he was a draft prospect in 2018, with some teams reportedly taking him off of their draft boards.
Because of his injury history, which has popped back up during his career more than once, this latest report blurs his future with the team and even in the NFL.
Could Leighton Vander Esch retire?
Given his circumstances, and we're just speculating here, retirement could very well be an option worth considering. Vander Esch has made $16.6 million in his career, per Over the Cap. Does he cash out and take care of his body by walking away from football?
Even if he doesn't retire, the Cowboys could be in a spot to think long and hard about whether or not they'll bet on him to be back and healthy. One aspect to consider will be that he has missed playing time in four out of six seasons in the NFL.
Does LVE fit the Cowboys' long-term plans?
The Cowboys signed Vander Esch to a two-year deal earlier this year which guarantees him one million dollars in 2024. While it's not nothing, it also isn't a sum that would keep the front office from making a cold move next year if they don't see LVE fitting their long-term plans.
They also drafted LB DeMarvion Overshown in the third round in 2023 and he was looking like a highly promising player before suffering a season-ending injury in the preseason.
Although his performances have been filled with ups and downs, Damone Clark seems to have earned the trust of the coaching staff and his rookie deal runs through 2025. Add "safety" Markquese Bell to the mix, who looks legit at linebacker.
What we do know is Dan Quinn likes his on-field presence as the communicator of his defense. That's Vander Esch's biggest shot at returning to the field as a Cowboy: Have the coaching staff want him back because he knows the system. But then again, and this is a conversation for another day, will Quinn himself be back in 2024?
