2022 Defense Stats
TCKL
90
SACKS
1.0
INT
0
FF
1
TD
0
2023 Projections
2023 Fantasy Outlook
Vander Esch stayed mostly healthy in 2023 and was on pace for the second 100-tackle campaign of his career until neck issues shut him down Weeks 16-18. The 27-year-old re-signed with the Cowboys on a one year, $2 million prove-it deal, but given his lengthy injury history and the team's collection of young, athletic talent at linebacker that now includes 2023 third-round pick DeMarvion Overshown, Vander Esch seems likely to see his snap count diminish this season. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS

Staying in Dallas
Vander Esch is set to re-sign a two-year deal worth $11 million with the Cowboys, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Vander Esch missed three games last year and 17 games over the past four seasons, but he's been a strong run defender for the Cowboys. Although he's never come close to matching the 140 tackles he had as a rookie, the 90 stops he posted in 2022 represented the second-best season of his career. Going into his age-27 season, he'll remain an anchor for the team at middle linebacker.
Vander Esch missed three games last year and 17 games over the past four seasons, but he's been a strong run defender for the Cowboys. Although he's never come close to matching the 140 tackles he had as a rookie, the 90 stops he posted in 2022 represented the second-best season of his career. Going into his age-27 season, he'll remain an anchor for the team at middle linebacker.
NFL Stats
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2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2022 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
2022 Leighton Vander Esch Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do Leighton Vander Esch's measurables compare to other linebackers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 4"Weight
256 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.65 secShuttle Time
4.15 secCone Drill
6.88 secVertical Jump
39.5 inBroad Jump
124 inBench Press
20 repsHand Length
9.75 inArm Length
33.88 inPast Fantasy Outlooks
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
While Micah Parsons emerged as the star of the Cowboys defense last season, Vander Esch was able to make a contribution in the middle by not missing a game due to injury for the first time since he was a rookie in 2018. His weekly tackle totals were way down, however, as much due to a reduced snap count as Parsons taking away his opportunities. Vander Esch's days as an IDP asset likely are behind him, but the brittle linebacker still provides some stability to the middle of the Dallas defense when he's on the field, and he's capable of double-digit tackles in a game when he's allowed to handle a significant workload.
More Fantasy News

Puts together strong campaign
Vander Esch recorded 90 tackles (54 solo), including one sack, with one pass defended and one forced fumble over 14 regular-season games in 2022.
ANALYSIS
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Full go to open playoff prep
Vander Esch (neck) was a full participant during the Cowboys' practice Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
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Trending toward return for playoffs
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that he's "very optimistic" about Vander Esch's (neck) status heading into the wild-card round of the playoffs, Patrik Walker of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Out again
Vander Esch (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
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Officially ruled out
Vander Esch (neck) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Titans, Jane Slater of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
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