Cowboys Free Agency: Leighton Vander Esch vs. Youth at LB?

Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch is considered to be one of the leaders of the Dallas defense, along with DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and others.

FRISCO -- Since the arrival of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the Dallas Cowboys' defense has been one of the best in the NFL.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is considered to be one of the leaders of that defense, along with DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and others.

And now, Dallas seems to be at risk of losing Vander Esch in free agency, as a CowboysSI.com source confirms the report that the Cowboys have made no progress on a new deal (via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram).

Dallas didn't pick up the fifth-year option on Vander Esch, maybe due to his injury history, but instead, after a stellar fourth season, signed the "wolf hunter" to a one-year deal last offseason, in sort of a "prove it" situation.

Vander Esch once again had an outstanding season. Although missing the final three regular-season games with a neck injury, Vander Esch registered 90 tackles (second-most on the team), 54 solo, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one quarterback hit.

Cowboys COO Stephen Jones recently commented on Vander Esch's status with the team, while remaining non-committal on the former Boise State Bronco.

“I thought Leighton had a great year,” Jones said. “It’ll all just boil down to the economics in terms of where he ends up. He had a hell of a year.”

Vander Esch played on a one-year, $2 million contract, last season, and has every reason to be looking for a bigger payday in free agency this offseason. And that might price him out of the Cowboys' reach.

And the injury issues that Vander Esch experienced earlier in his career? His representatives will no doubt argue that's a thing of the past.

Vander Esch was a Pro Bowler and earned All-Pro honors in his rookie season. While remaining mostly healthy the last three years, it could be argued he worked his way back to that level.

The Cowboys have a choice. The more expensive, more experienced Vander Esch, or stick with the younger linebackers already under contract, such as Damone Clark or Jabril Cox.

That's for the Joneses to decide.

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