Leighton Vander Esch

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has agreed to re-sign with the Dallas Cowboys on a two-year, $11 million deal.

Fantasy Impact

The Cowboys drafted the Boise State product with the 19th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft and will seemingly retain him for the sixth and seventh seasons of his NFL career. The 27-year-old dealt with neck injuries in 2019 and 2020 but has appeared in 31 of a possible 34 games over the last two seasons. Vander Esch recorded 54 solo tackles and one sack in the 2022 season along with a forced fumble across 14 appearances.

OLB Leighton Vander Esch has agreed to a new, one-year deal to return to the Dallas Cowboys.

Fantasy Impact

Vander Esch has been an important piece for a much-improved Cowboy's defense, and they will retain him for at least another year. The veteran OLB has been important in allowing the team to utilize Micah Parsons properly, and he will look to establish his value and earn a nice contract for next off-season.

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch will not have his fifth-year option picked up but the team is reportedly hoping for a contract extension prior to its expiration in 2022, per Todd Archer.

Fantasy Impact

The Cowboys drafted Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons with their first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, indicating they would like to upgrade the position alongside Pro-Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith. Vander Esch finished the 2020 season with 60 tackles but failed to provide elite coverage in passing scenarios, allowing an 86 CMP% and missing 16.7% of attempted tackles in 10 games. His injury history is definitely a factor in the Cowboys' decision but he will return to Dallas for his fourth year in 2021 and remains a hopeful candidate to receive a future contract extension. With the added pressure, it will be interesting to see how Vander Esch performs on a completely revamped Dallas defense.

Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is active for Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Fantasy Impact

An LB1 when healthy, LVE may see his snaps limited in his first game back from a broken collarbone. One of the defensive leaders, he is badly needed for a defense that has been horrible this season.

The Cowboys activated LB Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) from injured reserve.

Fantasy Impact

"LVE" injured his collarbone during the team's regular season opener. Monday's Week 6 matchup with the Cardinals will be his first game action since. It's a big upgrade to a Dallas defense that has been getting carved up on a regular basis this season.