Full contract details for Leighton Vander Esch, Dallas Cowboys revealed

This time a year ago, nobody really knew if Leighton Vander Esch would be back for the Dallas Cowboys. While his first couple of seasons in the league were good, the former first-round pick had not continued his upward trajectory. A solid 2022 season changed things, with a fresh two-year deal being handed out.

Full contract details have been released for the Cowboys and Vander Esch, with $5 million of the $11 million being guaranteed. While it might not be top-of-the-market money for a linebacker, it’s still a good contract for Vander Esch considering his output.

As if he needed incentive to make the playoffs even more, Vander Esch can cash in an extra $1 million if he plays in the postseason. Of course, the goal will be to win the Super Bowl with Dallas. However, an extra payday will come from the Wild Card or Divisional round for the linebacker.

#Cowboys Leighton Vander Esch two years, $8M, $5M gtd, $2.5M signing bonus, salaries $1.5M (gtd), $3M, ($1M fully gtd); $29,412 per game active roster bonus annual, $1M playtime-playoffs incentive, $250K workout base de-escalator clause annual

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 15, 2023

With Vander Esch signing a new deal, a report has come out saying Dallas is “probably out” on signing Bobby Wagner. While he would have been a solid replacement, general manager Jerry Jones decided to stick with the in-house guy. Not something the Cowboys have been scared to do in the past.

Injuries have been an issue in the past but when healthy, Vander Esch has proven to be a valuable asset for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

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.