Cowboys First Round Pick Retires from NFL

FRISCO— The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed their change of pace running back and their young linebacker has retired.

On Monday, the Cowboys 2018 first round draft pick, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, retired from the NFL due to medical issues after being released from the team. Vander Esch was drafted 19th overall by the Dallas Cowboys and was meant to give the defense a daunting linebacker corp.

In his rookie season, he was just that, collecting 176 tackles and a Pro Bowl nod. The next few seasons, he would miss time with a neck injury which ended up sidelining him this past season after being pushed by San Francisco 49ers’ left tackle Trent Williams.

Vander Esch ends his career with 469 tackles, 13 passes defended, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Also, the Cowboys re-signed back up running back Rico Dowdle to a one-year deal worth $1.255 million. Dowdle changed things up a bit for former starter Tony Pollard and had 89 attempts for 361 yards and two touchdowns. Dallas was in the market for a running back and were reported as interested in Zack Moss and A.J Dillon but those two backs ended up signing with Cincinnati and Green Bay respectively. Expect the Cowboys to look in the 2024 NFL Draft for another running back.

Other news dealing with the Cowboys is former left tackle Tyron Smith, who was allowed to test the waters of free agency, has signed with the New York Jets. Smith was the Cowboys’ first round pick in 2011 at ninth overall. He started his career on the right side before becoming a mainstay on the left side of quarterbacks Tony Romo and Dak Prescott. Like Vander Esch, Smith has been beat up as well but helped lead the way on the offensive line. Again, expect the Cowboys to look to the draft for his replacement.

Another signing includes special teamer C.J. Goodwin, who signed a one-year deal.

The Cowboys have lost quite a bit in free agency and have a few holes to fill. So much for going “all-in” this free agency like owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the Cowboys were going to do. So far, the Cowboys have lost starting center, Tyler Biadasz, and defensive ends, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, to the Washington Commanders. They’ve also lost Tony Pollard to the Titans and defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins to the Seattle Seahawks as he follows former Cowboys’ defensive line coach, Aden Durde, who is now the Seahawk’s defensive coordinator.

As for the 2024 NFL Draft, offensive line is going to be a need for the Cowboys. Running back, wide receiver, and linebacker are also needs as well. It also would not hurt to look at quarterback as Prescott has one year left on their deal.