Former Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch to retire after six seasons

Former Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch is reportedly retiring from the NFL following his release from the team last week, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. The team released him with a failed physical designation and it appears that the injury he suffered to his neck during the 2023 season will now officially end his NFL career. He’ll announce his decision officially on Monday afternoon.

Vander Esch went on Injured Reserve after Week 5 due to a neck injury and never made it back to the active roster. There was concern at the time that the former first-rounder would miss not only the rest of the season due to injury, but also potentially end his career.

Through the first five games of the 2023 season prior to injury, Vander Esch tallied 30 tackles, including 17 solo stops. He has also recovered one fumble. 

Injuries to the neck area have been an ongoing concern for Vander Esch since the 2019 season when he missed seven games. He also missed time last year because of a neck injury. A former first-round selection out of Boise State, the 2023 season was his sixth with Dallas.

In the offseason, the Cowboys inked Vander Esch to a two-year deal worth $8 million with $5 million guaranteed and a $2.5 million signing bonus. That contract agreement came in March after spending the 2022 campaign on a one-year deal.

Vander Esch retires with one second-team All-Pro year on his resume from the 2018 season. He also earned a Pro Bowl nomination as a rookie. Over six seasons, he accumulated 469 tackles with 3.5 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three interceptions.