In order to stay under the salary cap, the Cowboys made two unexpected releases last week: they parted ways with linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and wide receiver Michael Gallup. Still, one of the two cuts makes a lot more sense at this point.
After a six-year NFL career marred by injuries, Vander Esch is medically retiring from football, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Dallas’ first-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, Vander Esch, missed the whole season after sustaining a neck injury in Week 5. Sooner or later, he would have to declare his career as an athlete after failing his test last week.
His college years were when his neck problems first appeared. After suffering his first neck injury in his sophomore year at Boise State, Vander Esch was forced to wear a cowboy collar for the remainder of his playing career.
The 28-year-old is the most recent illustration of a player who still had a lot of fine football left in him but had to retire in order to protect his long-term health.
With 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, three interceptions, and a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2018, Vander Esch had a successful career.
Owner of the Cowboys Jerry Jones stated, “We’re proud that he wore the star on his helmet,” according to Rapoport.
Dallas already has the replacement for Vander Esch on the roster. Eric Kendricks, a linebacker for the Vikings and former Charger, was convinced by the Cowboys to sign with them last week as opposed to the 49ers, with whom he had originally planned to deal.
Fortunately for Mike Zimmer, who took over as defensive coordinator, Kendricks had a preference to play in Dallas and could assist lead his unit.
After nine years in the NFL, Kendricks, 32, is coming off another successful season in which he recorded 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.