The Dallas Cowboys had a remarkable day in free agency on Tuesday, leaving fans ecstatic with their signings. While the re-signing of Donovan Wilson would have satisfied most fans, the Cowboys went above and beyond by managing to retain Leighton Vander Esch and trading for Stephon Gilmore. It would be difficult to find a better outcome if one tried to script it.
The Dallas Cowboys have had a strong free agency
There were initial concerns about the team’s ability to retain both Leighton Vander Esch and Wilson, given the high demand for their services. Wilson’s breakout 2022 season was predicted to earn him a lucrative deal, while Vander Esch’s chances of returning were seen as slim due to the inflated linebacker market. The market was further inflated by Tremaine Edmunds’ $50 million guaranteed contract with the Chicago Bears and Bobby Okereke’s $40 million deal with the New York Giants.
While Vander Esch did receive a substantial contract, the details of the deal show that Dallas managed to get excellent value. With only $5 million guaranteed, Vander Esch’s base salary of $1.5 million in 2023 and $3 million in 2024 is a steal. According to OverTheCap, his cap hits for 2023 and 2024 are $3.16 million and $4.75 million, respectively, making him one of the lower-paid players on the team.
Leighton Vander Esch remains a Dallas Cowboy
Despite his low salary, Leighton Vander Esch is an essential player in Dan Quinn’s defense, as he demonstrated in the playoffs and throughout the regular season. However, the lack of guaranteed money after 2023 means that the Cowboys can release him if his injury issues persist, saving $3.5 million in cap space while incurring only $1.25 million in dead money.
The fact that the Texans and Steelers were both interested in Vander Esch’s services only highlights the value that Dallas obtained. Vander Esch’s familiarity with the team and the system likely contributed to his willingness to take a hometown discount.
Overall, the Cowboys’ front office deserves significant credit for their successful day in free agency, and fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season.
If you enjoy our writing, please consider leaving a small donation. Your support helps keep the lights on and allows us to hire more writers and grow our site.
