The Cowboys make it a priority to keep their talent in Dallas before going after outside additions and they’ve stayed true to that in 2023. After inking safety Donovan Wilson on a three-year deal in the morning, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is back on a two-year, $11 million contract.
Vander Esch was the club’s 2018 first-round pick and made the Pro Bowl that season, but struggled with injuries the next several campaigns.
Vander Esch looked like he was on his way out of Dallas after the 2021 season, but he was written off too quickly as he shined in Dan Quinn’s offense during the 2022 campaign. Totaling 90 tackles and commanding the middle of the defense, Vander Esch returned to form even while missing three games with injury, where his absence was palpable. With their starting linebacker extended, the dream of signing Bobby Wagner likely disappears according to Jane Slater of NFL Network.
A day into free agency, the Cowboys have succeeded in keeping their top talent on the roster while also trading for cornerback Stephon Gilmore is a complete shock in the right way. Dallas hasn’t seemed interested in re-signing linebacker Anthony Barr, leaving sophomore Damone Clark and third-year man Jabril Cox as the top players at the position behind Vander Esch.
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Story originally appeared on Cowboys Wire