FRISCO, Texas “The 2018 top pick is back for at least a year.
On Friday, the Cowboys signed Leighton Vander Ashe to a one-year contract that retains the former first-round pick in Dallas and adds much-needed depth to the linebacker position.
Originally selected 19th overall in 2018, Vander Ashe became an immediate fan favorite thanks to his popular nickname “The Wolf Hunter” that helped revitalize Dallas’ defense in the 2018 playoffs.
He was named All-Pro Second Team during his rookie season. Then injuries derailed his next two. In 2019 and 2020, Vander Ashe appeared in just 19 of 32 games, dealing with neck, collarbone and ankle injuries.
That deterrent was enough for the Cowboys to decide not to take an option for a fifth year on his contract, even though he played in all 18 games last season, throwing 90 tackles with a sack and an interception.
And at 26, Vander Ash thinks he has a lot more gas in his tank. In four seasons, he has 349 tackles, eight loss tackles, 12 slips and three interceptions.
Vander Ash will continue to play alongside NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons, who became a key defensive player in his first season. And Jabril Cox, a 2021 fourth-round pick, will return from an ACL injury.
However, the Cowboys still have work to do as a linebacker. Free agents Keanu Neal (unrestricted), Luke Gifford (restricted) and Francis Bernard (exclusive) remain unsigned. Safety Jaron Kears, the top defensive player who lost a lot in the box last season, is also a free agent.