Report: Veteran LB Rashaan Evans visiting Cowboys after Leighton Vander Esch injury

With linebacker Leighton Vander Esch a candidate for injured reserve, the Cowboys are bringing in former Titan Rashaan Evans for an official visit to The Star.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was the first to report the potential signee. Like Vander Esch, Evans was a first-round draft pick in 2018. Vander Esch and Evans were separated by only three draft spots. Evans was a part-time starter with Alabama who led the Crimson Tide in tackles in 2017.

He played four seasons with the Titans. But Tennessee didn’t pick up his fifth year option. He spent 2022 with the Falcons. And he had a brief stay last month on the Eagles’ practice squad. The team signed him Sept. 12, then waived him three days later.

The #DallasCowboys are reportedly bringing in Rashaan Evans for a visit.

Some highlights of the veteran LB.pic.twitter.com/Hdbuam3Wn9

— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) October 11, 2023

In his career, Rashaan Evans started 55 games. He can play the run and rush the passer. Evans has totaled 317 tackles with 15 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits hits and three sacks. He also posted eight passes defended, with two interceptions, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He scored a touchdown on one of the recovered fumbles.

Cowboys need a veteran since their LB depth is an issue

Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week that Dallas might explore signing a veteran.

“In our personnel meeting we touched on some potential opportunities,” McCarthy told reporters. “But we just want to make sure we have all of the information before we head down that road.”

Another option for the Cowboys is to use Micah Parsons as more of an off-ball linebacker as opposed to an edge rusher. Otherwise, the Cowboys don’t have much depth.

Vander Esch strained his neck Sunday night in a loss to the 49ers. He got pushed from behind and ended up knocking into Parsons’ leg. The linebacker has suffered from neck issues since his third year in the NFL. He missed seven games in 2019 and couldn’t play in the final three games of 2022.

With this current injury, Vander Esch could miss up to six weeks, which means he’s a candidate for IR. His likely return is sometime around Thanksgiving.