DALLAS — The Cowboys retained their top internal free agents this offseason by agreeing to terms with 2022 leading tackler safety Donovan Wilson and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, their second-leading tackler, on Tuesday.
Players can officially sign new contracts when the NFL’s League Year starts on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
A person with knowledge of the contracts said Wilson agreed to terms on a three-year deal that can reach $24 million. The first two years of the contract are fully guaranteed at $13.5 million.
Vander Esch agreed to a two-year contract worth $11 million.
Wilson, 28, set career-highs in tackles (101) and sacks (5) producing nine quarterback hits with one interception as part of a three-pronged safety group, team officials wanted to maintain.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said last month keeping Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker and Wilson was “obviously a priority” for the organization.
There was some concern if Wilson would return especially after the Bengals lost starting safeties, Jessie Bates III (Atlanta) and Von Bell (Carolina) on the first day of free agency. Contract talks between Wilson’s agent, Kevin Conner, and the team picked up Monday night. It was significant because the sides were far apart in February when the first offer to Wilson was presented.
Everything is good now as Wilson, a 2019 sixth-round pick from Texas A&M, emerged as one of the team’s best players. He is one of the only remaining members from his draft class on the roster, along with running back Tony Pollard.
Vander Esch, 27, entered free agency after a strong 2022 season. He finished with 90 tackles in 14 games. He missed the last three regular-season games with a neck stinger, an issue that’s bothered him throughout his career. Vander Esch returned for the playoffs leading the team in tackles (20).
Team officials have no issues about Vander Esch’s long-term health, as shown by the contract he agreed to on Tuesday. He was a 2018 first-round pick (19th overall) from Boise State and while the club didn’t pick up a fifth-year option for him, he proved after neck surgery, he is a dependable, healthy player.
If the Cowboys lost Vander Esch, the club would have turned toward Damone Clark and Jabril Cox and quite possibly free-agent veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner. After discussions with Vander Esch’s Dallas-based agent, Ron Slavin, things improved to where the team felt confident in a return.
The objective was always to keep Wilson and Vander Esch because of the high value each brings.
The Cowboys also seek to retain defensive end Dante Fowler, who finished with six sacks last season. Contract talks are ongoing with his agents.
