The Dallas Cowboys made the decision to release linebacker Leighton Vander Esch on Friday.
Dallas is the only team the 28-year-old has played for in the NFL, as the Cowboys selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
But neck injuries, dating back to his college days, have limited him from realizing his true potential.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch leaves after suffering an injury during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on October 8, 2023. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Vander Esch was named to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro in his rookie season, but underwent spinal fusion surgery in his second season, limiting him to just nine games.
Collarbone and neck injuries kept him out of six games in 2020, but he played a full season the following year. He missed four games in 2022 with a neck stinger, and then another neck injury after an awkward collision with teammate Micah Parsons caused him to miss the final 12 games last season.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones admitted he wasn't sure if Vander Esch's latest injury ended his career, but there seemed to be some doubts about it.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is seen on the field before the game against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on October 1, 2023. (Richard Rodríguez/Getty Images)
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“Let's put it this way, I don't know,” he said at the time. “There are a lot of factors involved. But you really need to see how this continues to heal, and then from that point decide whether or not you would like to continue exposing yourself to injury.”
Vander Esch has worn a neck protector throughout his career.
In part because of the neck issues, Dallas declined the fifth-year option on Vander Esch's rookie contract but brought him back in 2022 on a one-year deal. He had one year left on a two-year contract.
The Cowboys on Friday signed their replacement in linebacker Eric Kendricks, who initially chose the San Francisco 49ers in free agency before changing his mind. The 32-year-old will be reunited with new Dallas defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was Kendricks' head coach in Minnesota during his first seven seasons in the NFL.
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason passes by Dallas Cowboys linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Micah Parsons during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on October 8 of 2023. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
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Dallas also released wide receiver Michael Gallup on Friday, who was a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Gallup had his only 1,000-yard season in 2019, scoring six touchdowns. However, he had just six touchdowns in his final two seasons combined, as wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks joined the fray in recent years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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