6 free agents the Buffalo Bills could sign to replace Tremaine Edmunds

Bobby Okereke (Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports)
Bobby Okereke (Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Buffalo Bills
Leighton Vander Esch (Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports) /

Leighton Vander Esch

Leighton Vander Esch was a first round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2018 NFL Draft, only three picks after Tremaine Edmunds. Similar to Edmunds, Vander Esch would step in as a starter during his rookie season and made an immediate impact with 140 total tackles, two interceptions, and seven passes defended while being named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

Unfortunately, Leighton Vander Esch would deal with injuries that limited his performance in 2019 and 2020 as he played only a total of 19 games. The Cowboys would not pick up his fifth-year option but he returned on a one-year deal last offseason. It was a good move as he had a bounce-back season with 90 total tackles but did miss three regular season games.

When on the field, Leighton Vander Esch has proven he can be a very good linebacker and certainly would be a great addition to this Buffalo Bills’ defense. The biggest concern certainly is his health and the Bills may be hesitant to offer a long-term deal to a player with his injury history.