Cowboys free agent Leighton Vander Esch signs new contract

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.

Coming out of Boise State in 2018, Vander Esch went No. 19 overall to the Cowboys. He has finished second, third, fourth, fifth, and first in tackles on the team since going to Dallas. He has also dealt with some serious injuries during his career and he underwent surgery on his neck in 2019.

More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2023 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 15. At that time, contracts running through 2022 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7. Beginning March 13 through March 15 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 26, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. There are 722 players slated to become free agents in 2023, including 20 unrestricted free agents for Dallas.