3 Dallas Cowboys who could be traded ahead of 2022 season

By Randy Gurzi | May 24, 2022

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 /

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Sep 8, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) in action during the game between the Cowboys and the Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Cowboys trade piece No. 1: Leighton Vander Esch, LB

In the 2018 NFL Draft, Dallas took Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch — and there was a groan heard throughout the fan base. The problem wasn’t his skill, but instead the injury concerns.

LVE had neck issues at Boise State and no one seemed thrilled with another linebacker that had lingering issues — since they just watched Jaylon Smith redshirt in 2016 after being drafted while injured.

But Vander Esch quieted the critics in his rookie season. He had 140 tackles, seven pass defenses, and two picks as he proved to have a nose for the ball.

Unfortunately, it’s been all downhill since then.

Vander Esch hasn’t topped 77 tackles since his rookie season and Dallas even declined his fifth-year option in 2022. He did return, however, on a one-year deal worth just $2 million — which means he’s not guaranteed anything.

And with Dallas having Micah Parsons as their star linebacker, LVE is looking for a supporting role and will have to beat out Jabril Cox — a second-year player coming off an injury suffered in year one. Dallas also added Devin Harper and Damone Clark, meaning there will be options outside of Vander Esch.

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Still, he could have value even if beat out by the youth around him, which could lead to him being dealt before the season begins.

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