Cowboys have tough decision to make on Vander Esch's 5th-year option

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Leighton Vander Esch was a much-maligned pick in the 2018 NFL draft but ended up having a Pro Bowl/Second-Team All-Pro rookie campaign for the Dallas Cowboys. Life for him hasn’t been as sweet over the last two seasons though, as several injuries have caused him to miss 13 games.

As a first-round pick, Vander Esch can get a fifth-year added to his deal if the Cowboys decide to pick it up. They have until May 3 to do so, and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently laid out the value of each position based on how they have performed since entering the NFL.

The NFL reminded clubs today they have until May 3 to exercise fifth-year options on their first-round picks from the 2018 draft — and the value of those options is based on performance, with players selected to 2+ Pro Bowls getting the 2021 franchise tag number. From the memo: pic.twitter.com/Se2oFLCRxB

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2021

The cost for the Cowboys to retain Vander Esch is $9.145 million in 2022. Last year, a change was made in how fifth-year options payout. In the past, it was guaranteed against injury, but under the new CBA, it’s now fully guaranteed regardless.

Players who get voted to two Pro Bowls on the first ballot will get the same salary as the franchise tag for that position. If a player makes one Pro Bowl his salary nets the amount of the transition tag. As mentioned earlier, Vander Esch does have a Pro Bowl on his resume. However, it was as an alternate due to Luke Kuechly being an injury scratch.

Vander Esch’s injury history disqualifies him from meeting the playing time requirements as well, which are as follows:

Play 75% of snaps in two of their first three seasons
Play 75% of snaps in each of their first three seasons
Play 50% of snaps in each of their first three seasons

Vander played 77% of the Cowboys defensive snaps as a rookie in 2018. It dropped to 47% in 2019 and took a further dip to 42% last season. Therefore, Vander will cost the Cowboys the average of the 3rd-25th highest salaries at the linebacker position.

The former Boise State Bronco vowed to do everything he can to be the player he was in his rookie season after the Cowboys lost their season finale against the New York Giants.

“I’m going to train my frickin’ butt off this offseason,” Vander Esch said. “I’m not really going anywhere. I’m going home for two weeks and I’m coming right back. I’m going to be here training all the way through February, March, and April. That’s just what it is. I’m already looking forward to it. I’m on a mission, and I think all the guys should be too.”

Vander Esch’s injury woes and regression in play the last two seasons have made this a tougher decision for the Cowboys. They have a little under two months to decide if “The Wolf Hunter” will be apart of their future plans.