In 2018, it seemed that the Cowboys had solved their linebacker position for the next decade. Jaylon Smith looked fully healed from his horrible knee injury and was moving around on the field like he was projected to do before the injury. The Cowboys also selected Leighton Vander Esch in the first round of the 2018 draft, and after an injury to Sean lee forced him on the field as the starter, he never relinquished the position.
Both linebackers had terrific 2018 seasons and the dynamic duo was going to rule the middle of the Cowboys defense.