In a surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys have announced the release of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. According to reports, Vander Esch is set to retire in the coming weeks due to ongoing neck injuries, and the team has decided to part ways with him with a failed physical designation.

Vander Esch has been plagued by neck injuries since his college days, and unfortunately, these issues have continued to haunt him in the NFL. Last season, he was forced to miss 12 games after sustaining another neck injury during a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

The 28-year-old linebacker's recurring pinched nerve in his neck has proven to be a persistent problem, with no clear solution in sight. When healthy, Vander Esch has showcased his effectiveness as a defender on the field, displaying impressive closing speed and exceptional instincts. Throughout his six-year tenure with the Cowboys, he accumulated 469 total stops, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions.

The timing of this release is particularly unfortunate, as it comes at a challenging moment in Vander Esch's career. Once a fan favorite, he now finds himself being cast aside by the Cowboys. However, financial constraints and salary cap limitations have made it difficult for the team to retain players under contract purely out of sentiment.

Despite the departure of Vander Esch, the Dallas Cowboys still boast one of the strongest rosters in the league and are considered legitimate contenders for Super Bowl LIX. Currently, they hold the seventh-best odds in the NFL at +1700 to win the championship.

As the Cowboys move forward without Vander Esch, fans and analysts eagerly await the team's next move in addressing their linebacker corps and filling the void created by his departure. The offseason continues for Dallas, with fans hoping for additional roster additions or improvements to further solidify the team's Super Bowl aspirations.

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