Cowboys Rumors: Leighton Vander Esch Released After Failed Physical amid Neck Injury

The Dallas Cowboys informed middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch that he will be released with a failed physical designation, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

Vander Esch started in the Cowboys' first five games of the 2023 season before a neck issue caused him to miss the remainder of the year. Injuries have piled up for the former first-round pick and he's expected to retire "in the coming weeks," per ESPN.

The 28-year-old has spent all six seasons of his NFL career in Dallas.

Vander Esch made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and remained one of the league's top tacklers when he was able to stay on the field, serving as a stout run defender that could also hold his own in pass coverage. He's racked up 469 tackles, 13 passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, and 13 tackles for loss throughout his career.

He's dealt with several neck issues since he entered the league in 2018 that have limited his availability, though. In fact, he's appeared in more than 10 games in just three of his six seasons in the NFL. Vander Esch missed seven games with a neck injury in 2019, which ultimately required surgery.

By releasing him, the Cowboys will save $2.2 million against the cap while incurring another $2.2 million in dead money (h/t Patrik Walker of the team's official website).

The writing appeared to be on the wall for Vander Esch after Dallas signed linebacker Eric Kendricks to a one-year contract after he previously agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers. Kendricks has a Pro Bowl appearance of his own back in 2019 and recorded 117 tackles with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023.

He's also familiar with new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, as the two spent seven years together with the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 through 2021. As for Vander Esch, he's now free to sign with an opposing team although retirement may be on the horizon.