Cowboys News: Leighton Vander Esch’s future, Dallas wants to keep Donovan Wilson
By Jerry Trotta
The NFL’s post-Super Bowl lull is over now that the Combine is underway. Teams are releasing and extending players, and restructuring contracts to create cap space. The Dallas Cowboys haven’t gotten a head start in the regard, but they’re a big talking point after Stephen Jones’ Combine press conference Tuesday.
The team’s Executive Vice President addressed a number of topics, including the future of Tyron Smith, who’s expected back in 2023.
He gave a positive update on Tony Pollard and Terence Steele’s recoveries from leg injuries, and revealed Dallas is interested in “exploring” extensions for CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs — the stars of the Cowboys’ 2020 draft.
That wasn’t all Jones discussed, however.
He also spoke on extending Dak Prescott, and the futures of other free agents, including Leighton Vander Esch and Donovan Wilson.
“I thought Leighton had a great year. It’ll all just boil down to the economics in terms of where he ends up. But no, he had a hell of a year.”
Cowboys VP Stephen Jones on wanting to re-sign LB Leighton Vander Esch: “I thought Leighton had a great year. It’ll all just boil down to the economics in terms of where he ends up. He had a hell of a year.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 28, 2023
More Cowboys News:
- Jones added that Vander Esch “absolutely” did enough last season to warrant being re-signed. His quote did, however, indicate that linebacker-needy teams could be willing to pay a premium — or more than what the Cowboys are willing to pay — for Vander Esch on the open market.
- Donovan Wilson is another player Dallas wants to bring back. Jones was asked about the safety trio of Wilson, Jayron Kearse, and Malik Hooker, and noted the value in having three legit safeties. “It’s great to have all three of them,” Jones said. “Obviously, a priority to keep them together. It will be one of our priorities.”
- Wilson had a career year in 2022. He finished first on the team with 101 tackles, and notched career-highs in tackles for loss (seven), quarterback hits (nine), sacks (five), and defensive stops (37). In all likelihood, Wilson will be a hot commodity on the open market, and it’ll be interesting if the Cowboys make him an offer before the start of the legal tampering period.
Cowboys have dynamic trio at safety between Malik Hooker, Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson. Wilson is scheduled to become free agent March 15. EVP Stephen Jones: “It’s great to have all three of them. Obviously, a priority to keep them together. It will be one of our priorities.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 28, 2023
NFL News:
- There’s a legit changing of the guard in Tampa Bay. After Tom Brady’s retirement, the Buccaneers are expected to release RB Leonard Fournette. Fournette reportedly asked for his release after the Bucs signed him to a three-year, $21 million deal last offseason. Tampa Bay is roughly $55 million over the salary cap, and $35 million of that is coming from the retired Brady.
- The Dolphins haven’t decided whether to exercise Tua Tagovailo’s fifth-year option, per head coach Mike McDaniel. Entering the last season of his rookie deal, Tagovailoa has a $23.3 million option. The former No. 5 overall pick set career highs across the board in 2022, but missed five games with two concussions, adding to the durability concerns he had coming out of Alabama.
