NFL free agency 2022: Best linebackers available
By Ethan Lee
4. Leighton Vander Esch
If your team doesn’t want a longtime veteran but rather is interested in a younger star who has some intriguing potential, Leighton Vander Esch is one young linebacker that should be kept in mind.
Previously a first-round draft pick, Vander Esch has been with the Dallas Cowboys since the team selected him in the 2018 NFL Draft. But the question will be about whether or not the Cowboys bring him back. Vander Esch would be a great addition to many rosters and Dallas probably should hold on to him, but it’s hard to tell what will happen as the linebacker enters free agency.
Vander Esch broke onto the scene in 2018, totaling 140 combined tackles and snagging a couple interceptions. He played in 16 games, but Vander Esch only made 11 starts that rookie season.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t lived up to that production since then.
Due to a couple injury issues in 2019 and 2020, Vander Esch missed out on some playing time, playing in 19 games between the two seasons. During those games he totaled 132 combined tackles.
In 2021, he was able to go again. During the 2021-2022 regular season, Vander Esch played in all 17 games and started in 16 of them. In that playing time, Vander Esch had 77 tackles and grabbed an interception.
His potential appears to be pretty high and the 26-year-old linebackers seems like he should be healthy enough to be a consistent contributor. He may never get over 100 tackles again, but he appears to be good enough to be a valuable asset for most defenses in the NFL. Get him on the right sort of contract and Vander Esch could help a lot of teams shore up some defensive issues.