Report: Cowboys 'probably out' on Bobby Wagner after Leighton Vander Esch deal

As NFL teams make moves at the beginning of free agency, the Dallas Cowboys have been in the mix early on. One of the marquee signings has been the re-signing of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, bringing him back on a two-year deal. While a door opens for Vander Esch, another closes for Bobby Wagner.

According to Jane Slater of the NFL Network, the Cowboys are “probably out” on Wagner after securing the Vander Esch deal. Wagner had done nothing but discuss the possibility of signing with Dallas. However, in what has been a rumor for nearly two years now, there will no be marriage.

“As for Bobby Wagner, I’m told that’s probably out with the LVE deal done this evening,” Slater said.

Wagner spent last season with the Los Angeles Rams, continuing to be one of the top linebackers in the NFL. However, they decided to move on and Dallas joined the Seattle Seahawks as a potential suitor for the 2023 season.

Wagner played in all 17 games last season with the Rams, being just the second-ever team he has suited up for. He was his normal self in Los Angles, recording 140 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and six sacks.

The Cowboys are now good to go at the position moving forward, signing one of their former first-round picks to an extension. However, you can never count out Wagner’s name being linked to America’s Team. It will just not be this off-season.

Dallas Cowboys re-sign Leighton Vander Esch

The Dallas Cowboys are keeping one of their defensive leaders for the long haul. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch inked a two-year, $11 million deal in free agency, according to Ian Rapoport.

Vander Esch played the 2022 season on a one-year deal with Dallas worth $2 million. The Cowboys have paid him upwards of $13 million over five seasons but it was time for them to re-up on the “Wolf Hunter.”

After playing in 65% of the defensive snaps this season and helping the Cowboys make the playoffs, Vander Esch earned a $300,000 bonus incentive.

This season, Vander Esch led the defense in tackles until he suffered a neck injury that kept him out for multiple weeks. He returned to the field in time for playoffs, however.

Vander Esch finished the year with 90 tackles in the regular season, which was the most he’s recorded since his rookie year in 2018. He also had a sack and six tackles for loss, as well as 20 postseason tackles.