Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch’s journey in the NFL has been tumultuous, marked by a series of neck injuries that have cast a shadow over his future in the league.
Last season, he endured yet another setback when a neck injury in November limited his play to just five games, raising concerns about his ability to continue playing at the professional level.
Vander Esch’s struggles with neck injuries trace back to his collegiate days at Boise State, underscoring the seriousness of his current predicament.
The recent injury might force him into early retirement, a possibility that is being openly discussed by Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones. Jones has deferred to Vander Esch himself to determine the next steps in his career, acknowledging the gravity of the injury and its implications.
Since being drafted by the Cowboys in 2018 as the 19th overall pick, Vander Esch has shown flashes of brilliance amidst the adversity of recurring injuries, and his rookie season stood out as a highlight, boasting impressive statistics including 140 tackles and two interceptions, which earned him a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors.
However, injuries have continued to plague Vander Esch throughout his career. In 2019, he underwent surgery to address a nerve issue in his neck after playing just nine games.
The following year, a broken collarbone limited his appearances to 10 games. Despite a promising start to the 2021 season, with 30 tackles in six games, his campaign was cut short once again due to the recurring neck injury suffered in October.
The uncertainty surrounding Vander Esch’s future has prompted the Cowboys to explore options to bolster their linebacker corps.
The team’s struggles in that position were evident throughout the season, culminating in a disappointing wild-card exit at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. The defensive shortcomings were glaring as Packers’ running back Aaron Jones exploited gaps in the Cowboys’ defense, rushing for 118 yards and three touchdowns.
As the offseason unfolds, Dallas is poised to address its linebacker needs through both the draft and free agency, recognizing the importance of shoring up the defense to contend effectively in the upcoming season.
Whether Vander Esch decides to continue his NFL career or not, the Cowboys are preparing to fortify their roster for the challenges ahead.
