Cowboys could lose multiple defenders during offseason
The Cowboys haven’t made any progress in contract talks with free agents Leighton Vander Esch and Donovan Wilson
The Dallas Cowboys have around 20 free agents to make decisions on in the coming weeks.
With that many players, a good bit won't return, that's just the nature of the business side of the NFL. On Thursday, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram dropped a little nugget on a few guys who may not be back for the Cowboys in 2023, and it was linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and safety Donovan Wilson.
Vander Esch didn't have his fifth-year option picked up in 2021. However, he played well enough to earn a one-year prove-it deal last season, and he performed well to his credit.
The former first-round pick played in 14 games and finished second on the team in tackles with 90 tackles, the second-most of his career (had 140 as a rookie). Fortunately for the Cowboys, if Vander Esch doesn't return, rookie Damone Clark showed a lot of promise last season, and they could get a chance to finally see what Jabril Cox can do with more reps.
Wilson has been with the Cowboys since 2019 when he was taken in the sixth round, the year after Vander Esch was drafted. He's battled injuries during his time in Dallas, but Wilson was fantastic in 2022.
The former Texas A&M Aggie set career highs in tackles (101, led the Cowboys) and sacks with five, an incredible number for a safety. More importantly, Wilson played and started in all 17 games in the regular season making it the first time he's completed a season with no games missed.
Cowboys' executive vice president Stephen Jones said earlier this week that keeping Wilson along with Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker as a trio at safety was a priority. But as is the case when it comes to the business side of the NFL, things don't always work out that way.
The Cowboys do have a few aces in the hole that can fill Wilson's shoes. Markquese Bell, who went undrafted out of Florida A&M, flashed during the preseason. Also, Israel Mukuamu, although he showed promise at cornerback last season, has experience at safety as well.
Things can certainly change in the next week or so. However, the situation with Vander Esch and Wilson is something to keep an eye on.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
