REPORT: Dallas Cowboys not picking up Vander Esch's fifth-year option
When Dallas Cowboys' fans heard Micah Parson's name called as the 12th overall pick on last Thursday night, Leighton Vander Esch's short-term future seemed clear. After three seasons of ups and downs in the NFL, the Cowboys had a decision to make. Would they pick up the 25-year-old's fifth-year option or not? According to NFL […]
When Dallas Cowboys' fans heard Micah Parson's name called as the 12th overall pick on last Thursday night, Leighton Vander Esch's short-term future seemed clear. After three seasons of ups and downs in the NFL, the Cowboys had a decision to make. Would they pick up the 25-year-old's fifth-year option or not?
According to NFL Network's Jane Slater, the Dallas Cowboys have told NFL Agent Ron Slavin they would not be exercising the fifth-year option.
Depending on what version of Vander Esch you're thinking about right now, you might lean in favor or against this decision.
If you think about Vander Esch's rookie campaign, you wouldn't hesitate in extending his contract through 2022. However, if you think about the player Vander Esch has been for the last couple of seasons, you might want to pump the brakes.
Vander Esch has missed 13 games since 2019. While that's bad for any pro, it's even more concerning for a player who came into the league with medicals concerns and red flags. In 2018, some NFL teams even removed the former Boise State prospect from their draft boards.
The Dallas Cowboys' decision comes after the front office added two linebackers in the Draft, including Micah Parsons in the first round. The Penn State product is a premier athlete who's expected to make an impact right away and compete for starting snaps as a rookie. A look at Parson's athleticism and size suggests he'll earn significant playing time.
In the fourth round, the Cowboys found tremendous value in Jabril Cox. As a former FCS star linebacker for North Dakota State, Cox probably slipped in the Draft due to an offseason surgery and his inexperience against top competition. Although he looked the part in his sole season in LSU, most of his career came as a Bison.
Heading into a contract year for the first time in his career, Leighton Vander Esch will need to overcome adversity. Fortunately for him, this is not the first time he's had to do so. As a high school recruit, no stars rating accompanied Vander Esch's name. He played eight-man football before heading to Boise State. And that's after he received zero FBS scholarship offers, leading to his decision to walk-on at Boise State en route to becoming a first-round pick.
Now, Vander Esch will have to find a way to shock the world once again if he's going to keep his starting role with the Dallas Cowboys. As rookies get ready for camp, the battle at linebacker will be one of the most interesting storylines this offseason.
Featured Image Via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
