Jason Garrett praised Sean Lee‘s work last season, one that featured younger linebackers playing a bigger role on Dallas’ defense than the veteran stalwart did. Garrett wants the Cowboys to retain Lee.
“Nobody works harder than Sean Lee, but unfortunately durability has been an issue,” Garrett said, via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. “That was a big reason we drafted these young linebackers the last couple of years because Sean has missed time. But when he has played, he has played really well. … He’s got a lot of football left in him and he’ll be a part of what we’re doing going forward.”
Lee, though, will almost certainly have to accept a sizable pay cut to see a 10th season in Dallas. This Cowboys offseason will be primarily about how they proceed with their extension-eligible young talents, and Lee’s $10MM cap number is now untenable. Dallas would save $7MM by releasing the two-time Pro Bowler, who will turn 33 before Week 1.
Hamstring injuries limited Lee to just seven games last season, and Leighton Vander Esch delivered immediately when called upon. He and Jaylon Smith are the Cowboys’ top linebackers for 2019, and both are on rookie deals.