DALLAS — Leighton Vander Esch is reportedly calling it a career.
ESPN's Todd Archer broke the news Monday that the former Cowboys linebacker is retiring after six injury-plagued seasons and his recent release by Dallas last week.
The Cowboys decided to cut Vander Esch, along with fellow 2018 draft pick Michael Gallup, on Friday.
Vander Esch, 28, was the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2018 out of Boise State. He earned a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro nod in his rookie season, racking up 140 tackles. But 2018 was one of only two years in which Vander Esch played a full season -- the other being 2021 -- and he missed the Cowboys' final 12 games of 2024 with a neck injury.
The injury was the main reason the Cowboys decided to part ways with Vander Esch. His release last week came with a failed physical designation. That means he'll receive his full 2024 salary from the Cowboys, but only up to $1.2 million of it will count against the salary cap.
Vander Esch's injury against San Francisco in October ended his 2023 season, and all indications were that it might have ended his career as well, as Vander Esch suffered from cervical spinal stenosis.
With the moves, Dallas no longer has any members of its 2018 draft class on the current roster.