Sad Update on Leighton Vander Esch's Cowboys Future Emerges

The Dallas Cowboys have been quiet to start free agency but they finally got on the board. On Mar. 13, the Cowboys signed LB Eric Kendricks to help bolster the linebacker core.

That was a much-needed move after they had safety Markquese Bell playing at LB during the second half of the season. But this new addition is signaling the end for another player on the defensive end.

ESPN released an article on the signing of Kendricks but also said that LB Leighton Vander Esch is expected to retire in the next couple of weeks.

Cowboys News: Leighton Vander Esch Is Expected to Retire

Vander Esch has sadly been ravaged by injuries throughout his entire playing career. When he was at Boise State, the 28-year-old suffered a pinched nerve in his neck that caused him to miss seven games in the 2016 season.

Those neck injuries followed him into the NFL. In 2019, Vander Esch had neck surgery to alleviate the nerve issues that forced him to seven games during that campaign. Things continued to carry over last season. After suiting up in five games, Vander Esch was placed on IR after sustaining yet another neck injury in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

This is a tough situation for the 2018 first-round pick. He is such a disruptive defender when healthy but he's struggled to stay on the field throughout his career.

In six seasons, Vander Esch logged 469 total tackles, three interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and 13 pass deflections.

The loss of Vander Esch will be felt but the Cowboys own one of the best rosters in the league and have a real shot of reaching Super Bowl LIX. They currently have the seventh-best odds in the NFL to win the whole thing at +1700. Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook,claim your sign-up bonus, and take advantage of these odds to back the Cowboys.

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