Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore and defensive end Leighton Vander Esch are the newest roster additions, having made big off-season moves to improve its defensive capabilities. They have a wealth of weapons on their squad, offense, and defense, so they may be a real threat in the NFL this year.
The Cowboys have always been about putting their own needs first, as seen by the news on Tuesday morning that safety Donovan Wilson would be returning to the team on a three-year deal for up to $24 million, which is undoubtedly a big win for the 49ers. But it is undeniable that the Cowboys have already put themselves in the lead for the upcoming season.
#DallasCowboys bring back S Donovan Wilson on a 3-year, worth up to $24M ✭ pic.twitter.com/53UVNjyWht
— Dallas Cowboys Network (@TheCowboysNet) March 14, 2023
Through re-signing, the Cowboys are counting on Vander Esch to keep improving so he can continue mentoring Damone Clark while contributing to the defense. This linebacker, who has played for the Cowboys for 5 seasons, has agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract. His statistics included 279 solo tackles, 160 assists, 3.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions, and he was chosen to play in one Pro Bowl.
Cowboys re-signing LB Leighton Vander Esch to 2-year deal worth $11M. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/b3dDgrdXQv
— NFL (@NFL) March 14, 2023
What did Vander Esch say to CowboysSI.com?
On Tuesday, Vander told CowboysSI.com that the team’s coaching staff was the primary draw for him to return to Dallas. “I’m so happy to be coming back to Dallas,” Esch stated. “One of the big reasons is I just love playing for Dan and Mike.”
Gilmore, who had a far more stellar career, was acquired by the Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2023. This quarterback has been named to five Pro Bowls, two First-Team All-Pro teams, and won one Defensive Player of the Year award.
Another big trade! The #Colts are sending five-time Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore to the #Cowboys for a 2023 fifth-round compensatory pick, sources tell me and @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/K1LN0oit7L
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2023
Stephen, who is 32 years old, played the 25th-most man coverage snaps last year, ranking 21st in completion rate allowed and 19th in passer rating allowed.
The San Francisco 49ers finished the regular season with a record of 13-4, their greatest regular season record since 2019. They have the strongest defense in the League (13-3). The Cowboys were ranked third in 2022 in yards allowed per game (310.0), sixth in yards allowed per pass attempt (206.5), and ninth in points scored.
