LATEST NEWS: Green Bay Packers have been highly active during the 2024 offseason, securing contracts worth over $100 million for stars…..

The Green Bay Packers have been highly active during the 2024 offseason, securing contracts worth over $100 million for stars Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney within the initial days of free agency. Despite these significant signings, the Packers roster still has areas of concern, particularly in the depth of their safety, linebacker, and cornerback positions. With ample time remaining before the 2024 NFL Draft, further moves could be on the horizon for the Packers in free agency.

One potential target for the Green Bay Packers is former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who was recently released. Vander Esch, a standout first-round pick in 2018, had an impressive rookie season, accumulating 113 solo tackles and two interceptions with an impressive 84.4 PFF grade. However, his career has been hindered by persistent neck injuries, limiting him to only 72 games over six seasons in the NFL.

There is no question about Leighton Vander Esch’s quality of play, when healthy he is a premier off-ball linebacker in the NFL. Though a persistent neck injury he has dealt with since college has some speculating whether he can or should stay in the NFL. His cerebral play on the field is impressive, since his drafting he has been one of the smartest and most capable players on any NFL field he stepped on.

If Leighton Vander Esch could get healthy and stay healthy, he would be a massive upgrade to the depth of the linebacker position for the Green Bay Packers. There is a very solid chance he will decide to retire through his problematic neck injury, particularly with the sensitive nature of the injury. But if he continues to rehab his neck until later in the year, he could potentially sign with another team needy for a linebacker and make a real impact.

The Green Bay Packers are not in desperate need of an MLB1, Quay Walker is prepared to step into that role under DC Jeff Hafley. A role consisting of lower snaps and less pressure may be the perfect environment for Leighton Vander Esch to thrive in his later career.