The Landry Hat
Fansided

3 Cowboys who must perform in 2022 ahead of contract decisions

By Lauren Barash

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 08: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 08: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Cowboys, Leighton Vander Esch
Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) reacts after a tackles against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Leighton Vander Esch, LB

It seems fair to say that many were surprised to see Leighton Vander Esch return to the Cowboys for 2022. After the team declined to pick up his fifth-year option ahead of the 2021 season, most assumed he’d be out the door this offseason if he wasn’t a top performer.

The decision to not pick up his fifth-year option made sense given the Cowboys signed both Jabril Cox and Micah Parsons in last year’s draft. Additionally, Vander Esch just wasn’t the player he was after a stellar rookie campaign. After earning a Pro Bowl nod in his first season, injuries kept him out of 13 games the following two seasons.

Last year, Vander Esch started in all but one game, but he was definitely outshined by Parsons and likely got as many reps as he did due to Cox going down with an injury. However, it was apparently enough to earn him a one-year deal with Dallas.

With a full recovery expected for Cox, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year at the top, and potential draft steal Damone Clark lurking in the background, Vander Esch has to have a major year in order to earn a spot back with the Cowboys in 2023. With Cox, Clark, and Parsons all still set to be on rookie contracts next offseason, will Dallas be willing to give LVE a new contract unless he outperforms others in the linebacker corps?

The team is likely set to gain more than it would lose by letting him go after 2022. It’s on him and his performance this season to change the Joneses’ minds.

Home/Cowboys News