The Dallas Cowboys are releasing long-serving duo Leighton Vander Esch and Michael Gallup.
Linebacker Vander Esch’s release comes after a failed physical designation, with the 2018 first-round draft pick having struggled with neck issues throughout his career.
His rookie season saw him voted to the Pro Bowl and receiver second-team All-Pro honours, but he would only play 19 out of 32 games in years two and three. Last season saw him start just five games as further neck issues wrecked what was once a very promising career.
Like Vander Esch, Gallup has also seen injury slow down his time in Dallas. After promising seasons in 2019 and 2020, a torn ACL in 2021 has hampered his career since and after failing to break the 500-receiving-yard barrier in each of the past two campaigns, Dallas are now moving on.
The team have confirmed he will be a post-June 1 cut which will avoid guaranteeing his salary for 2024.
With space being cleared in the salary cap, Dallas will now look to make more additions following a slow start to free agency.
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