Green Bay Packers: Former Dallas Cowboys Star Just Became Available To Green Bay
The Green Bay Packers are having a very active 2024 offseason. In the first few days of free agency, they signed over 100 million dollars worth in contracts to stars Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney. The Packers roster is not perfect, with question marks on the depth of the safety, linebacker, and cornerback rooms. With time to go before the 2024 NFL Draft, there may be more moves in store for the Green Bay Packers in free agency.
The Green Bay Packers Could Target Former Dallas Cowboys LB Who Was Just Released
Leighton Vander Esch was a standout first-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. In his rookie season, he totaled 113 solo tackles and two interceptions, making an impressive 84.4 PFF grade. Unfortunately, this was the best season of his career as he fought through persistent neck injuries. After six seasons in the NFL with only 72 games played, Vander Esch has been released by the Dallas Cowboys.
There is no question about Leighton Vander Esch’s quality of play, when healthy he is a premier off-ball linebacker in the NFL. Though a persistent neck injury he has dealt with since college has some speculating whether he can or should stay in the NFL. His cerebral play on the field is impressive, since his drafting he has been one of the smartest and most capable players on any NFL field he stepped on.
If Leighton Vander Esch could get healthy and stay healthy, he would be a massive upgrade to the depth of the linebacker position for the Green Bay Packers. There is a very solid chance he will decide to retire through his problematic neck injury, particularly with the sensitive nature of the injury. But if he continues to rehab his neck until later in the year, he could potentially sign with another team needy for a linebacker and make a real impact.
The Green Bay Packers are not in desperate need of an MLB1, Quay Walker is prepared to step into that role under DC Jeff Hafley. A role consisting of lower snaps and less pressure may be the perfect environment for Leighton Vander Esch to thrive in his later career.
