Cowboys agree to one-year deal with LB Leighton Vander Esch

Dallas selected Vander Esch with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and he was an immediate force in the middle of the Cowboys' defense. Vander Esch racked up what are still career-highs in tackles (140), passes defended (seven) and interceptions (two) and earned a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro recognition in the process.

The native of Riggins, Idaho was limited to nine games in 2019 due to injury, but still produced 72 tackles, three passes defended and one forced fumble. In 2020, he missed time with a broken collarbone and played in just 10 contests, before appearing in all 17 (starting 16 of them) last year.

Vander Esch registered 77 tackles, a career-best four tackles for a loss, two passes defended and one interception during the 2021 campaign. In the Cowboys one playoff contest, he picked up 13 tackles.