Cowboys Signing Ex-Raiders Starter to Replace Leighton Vander Esch

The Dallas Cowboys may need to add reinforcements after a big win and the loss of Leighton Vander Esch. Former linebacker Jayon Brown is a potential addition.

The Dallas Cowboys are fresh off a significant win within their division, but the loss of Leighton Vander Esch may necessitate the team to seek additional support. One notable name under consideration for potential addition is Jayon Brown, a former linebacker for the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders.

The situation is unfortunate for both the Cowboys and Vander Esch, whose recurring neck injuries may be bringing his career to an untimely conclusion. Nevertheless, the team must find a way forward. An immediate option to consider is the addition of Brown.

It's important to note that Brown is not a direct replacement for Vander Esch, and he may not surpass Rashaan Evans. Evans recently delivered a strong performance after being called up from the practice squad, albeit against a New York Giants team that is struggling.

Bringing in someone like Brown would provide the Cowboys with multiple experienced options. While Evans has performed adequately in a limited capacity, there is no guarantee that this will continue.

Brown has demonstrated flashes of top-tier play in the NFL, similar to Evans. Signing him to a practice squad deal poses minimal risk, while also providing insurance and potentially enhancing the defense's capabilities.

After his second season in the NFL, Jayon Brown appeared to be on the verge of stardom. The Titans have established a reputation for maximizing the potential of their defenders, and Brown is a prime example of this.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Brown spent his rookie year adjusting to the league. However, in 2018, the former UCLA Bruin showcased his talent. According to Pro Football Reference, the 28-year-old linebacker accumulated 64 solo tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and six passes defended, including a pick-six.

Despite starting just nine games, Brown made a significant impact in almost every statistical category. His performance in 2019 was also noteworthy, defending eight passes, securing an interception, and registering 69 solo tackles.

Unfortunately, Brown was plagued by injuries. Over three consecutive years, he was placed on the injured reserve with various injuries, causing him to miss 22 games. Despite this, he still managed to record two interceptions, 11 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a sack in 28 games during that period.

As Dallas weighs its options in response to the Vander Esch situation, former Cowboys linebacker Anthony Barr recently signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Barr, who played for Dallas in 2022, was a valuable addition during injury concerns. However, he was not re-signed by the Cowboys and only found a new team this week.

Barr's decision to return to the Vikings was covered by Heavy's DJ Siddiqi. Reports suggested that the four-time Pro Bowler was also considering the Philadelphia Eagles. In the end, he opted to continue playing in Minneapolis for another season.

While the Cowboys and Vikings are not currently scheduled to face off this season, both teams are vying for a spot in the playoffs. If they were to meet, it would likely require one of the two teams to win their division.

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