FRISCO, Texas- The first pick of the 2018 draft class is back, at least for a year.
The Cowboys agreed to a one-year deal with Leighton Vander Esch on Friday, keeping the former first-round pick in Dallas and adding needed depth at linebacker.
Originally drafted as the No. 19 overall pick in 2018, Vander Esch became a fan favorite early on, aided by his popular nickname “Wolf Hunter,” helping revitalize Dallas’ defense. in a 2018 playoff run.
He was named a second-team All-Pro during his rookie season. Then injuries derailed his next two. In 2019 and 2020, Vander Esch appeared in just 19 of 32 games while dealing with neck, collarbone and ankle injuries.
It was deterrence enough that the Cowboys opted out of the fifth-year option on his contract, though he bounced back to appear in all 18 games last season, posting 90 total tackles with a sack and an interception.
And at only 26 years old, Vander Esch should have a lot more gas in the tank. Through four seasons he has 349 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 12 pass breakups and three interceptions.
Vander Esch will continue to play alongside NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons, who emerged as a pivotal player on defense during his first season. And 2021 fourth-round pick Jabril Cox will return from an ACL injury.
However, the Cowboys still have work to do at linebacker. Free agents Keanu Neal (unrestricted), Luke Gifford (restricted) and Francis Bernard (exclusive rights) have yet to sign. Safety Jayron Kearse, the defense’s top tackler who often played in that area last season, is also a free agent.
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Leighton Vander Esch agrees to new deal