Could the Houston Texans lure Leighton Vander Esch to Houston when free agency hits?
Yes, the regular season is right around the corner. However, in the NFL a team can never stop scouting and preparing for what’s ahead. The Houston Texans could have a chance at Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. An article over at The Landry Hat (our Cowboys site here at FanSided) explained that Vander Esch has his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
If Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy don’t foresee him in their plans, then Houston Texans General Manager Nick Caserio should offer him a contract. Now I know what Texans fans are thinking- isn’t Leighton Vander Esch hurt all the time?
Yes and no is the response to that question. While Vander Esch has missed time due to injuries in his career, he’s played in 30 of 35 possible games. So it’s definitely a risky signing but it can yield a solid player who can be one of the best run-stuffers in the league.
Houston Texans may also just have the room for Leighton Vander Esch
The Texans are facing a decision in their own building, as they have multiple LB/DE contracts that are set to expire. Neville Hewitt, Jacob Martin (who is a DE/LB), Christian Kirksey, and Whitney Mercilus are going to face a decision at the end of the year as well. Would teams value them the same if they have a bad 2021 regular-season record? Probably not.
Some of those listed above are more defensive ends or players who have their hands in the dirt more often. If Vander Esch was open to converting into a defensive lineman, it could work out seeing as how he’s averaged 90 tackles per season in his short three-year career.
If Vander Esch can stay healthy for the entire year in 2021, then Texans fans will get a true look at him as we go into the regular season. Until then, it’s just an interesting name to keep in the back of your mind.