Source: Cowboys restructure LB Lee's deal

FRISCO, Texas -- The Cowboys and Sean Lee have agreed to a restructured contract that will pay the linebacker $3.5 million and give him a chance to earn $7 million in 2019, a source confirms to ESPN.

Lee was set to make a $7 million base salary in the final year of his deal but knew he would have to accept less with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch taking over starting roles last season. Lee will look to play strong-side linebacker in the base defense while spelling Smith and Vander Esch in the nickel defense at times in 2019.

Lee, who has played middle and weak-side linebacker since being drafted in the second round in 2010, has been slowed by hamstring injuries for the last two seasons…