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3 intriguing linebackers Patriots should target in 2023 NFL Free Agency

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 30: Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 30: Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

2. New England Patriots linebacker targets: Leighton Vander Esch

A very intriguing free agent target at the linebacker position is a player the New England Patriots have been linked to in the past.

In fact, before returning to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal, former first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch it was reported the Patriots had interest.

So, perhaps this time around Bill Belichick will explore that possibility again after Vander Esch put in a full, productive season with the Cowboys in 2022.  Slowed by neck injuries in 2019 and 2020, the Boise product racked up 90 tackles during the 2022 NFL season with 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.

In showing interest in Vander Esch as far back as the 2018 NFL Draft, the Patriots have done their homework and know what kind of fit the 6-foot-4, 256-pound linebacker would be joining the core linebacker group of Judon, Uche, Bentley and Tavai.

The question is whether the Cowboys will open the checkbook to bring Vander Esch back on a longer deal. Or will it be some other team taking a shot at a long-term deal for a Pro-Bowl caliber player?

If Belichick wants him, this is the offseason he can go out and get him.  After a healthy full season, he is certainly an intriguing target in free agency.

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