The Dallas Cowboys have been mostly quiet thus far in free agency. Aside from bringing back Donovan Wilson on a deal, there has been a lack of movement from the front office.

However, the Cowboys must move fast so that they can keep one of their best defenders on the roster. That is because Leighton Vander Esch is seeing increased interest on the market, meaning there is a real possibility that he could leave.

Therefore, Dallas cannot afford to sit back and hope for the best. Instead, Dallas must work to complete the deal with their starting inside linebacker before somebody else swoops in and steals him away.

NFL Network insider Jane Slater reported on Tuesday morning that Dallas is working to hammer out a deal with LVE. In the meantime, a deal that was completed elsewhere around the league could have an impact on the salary that Vander Esch ultimately signs for.

Bobby Okereke inked with the New York Giants for a deal that amounts to $10 million per year. Slater believes that will result in negotiations for Vander Each to begin just under that number.

I’m told the #Cowboys are still trying to hammer something out with LB Leighton Vander Esch but as they do another team has entered the picture. After Bobby Okereke deal, expect negotiations to start around 7 APY

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 14, 2023

Dallas is thin at linebacker, which suggests Vander Esch could be a priority to keep in the building. Especially since Micah Parsons is most effective when he is playing off the edge, rather than a traditional off-ball linebacker role.

Bobby Wagner is a free agent that has been linked to the Cowboys in free agency. Dallas could also look for a replacement in the draft. However, the smart move would to just go ahead and get things done with Vander Esch, who turned in a strong campaign this past season.

The Dallas Cowboys must move quickly to ensure their starting linebacker remains on the roster for the foreseeable future. Otherwise, a sizable hole will be created.