Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa is edging closer to an extension, and Brian Schottenheimer wants No. 97 back in 2025.
The Dallas Cowboys’ offseasons over the past couple of seasons haven’t been that productive, but with a change in head coach and coaching staff, maybe that is rubbing off on the front office.
Brian Schottenheimer and his staff have been firm in what they are looking for in players and free agents, with Osa Odighizuwa, along with Micah Parsons wanting new deals.
Osa has been the one who has seen his talks accelerate with a source speaking exclusively to our Mike Fisher stated that a deal is “very close” to being completed with a $21 million APY the number being circled.
Getting on the front foot with “signing your own” is good business and Schottenheiemer, when offered a chance to talk about Osa’s deal, made his stance clear.
“There’s a lot of ongoing conversations,” Schottenheimer said at the scouting combine. “Obviously, Osa has done a terrific job for us, he’s a terrific young player, he does everything right, and as those communications keep going. It’s never done till it’s done, but he’d be a guy we’d love to have back.”
Philadelphia Eagles guard Tyler Steen (56) blocks Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97).
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
“Love to have back,” coupled with Fisher’s source, sounds like the Cowboys and Osa will agree to terms; it is just a matter of when.
Of course, Schotty stated it is never done until it is done, but the face that there’s been not only talks, but positive talks to the point where a deal is “very close” certainly bucks the trend of late with Dallas and contracts. After all, it is February.
With the defensive line needing reinforcements, keeping Osa, who had career-highs in quarterback hits (23) and sacks (4.5), posted a PFF grade of 68.1 (ranked 38th out of 219 interior defensive linemen), and was fifth in quarterback hurries (39) and third in total pressures (80) among fellow defensive linemen, is good business.
So, progress is being made, and while some might turn their nose up at the $21 million APY and debate whether Osa is worth it, that is the going rate, and having Odighizuwa at that price right now is better than seeing him flourish on another team.
But more importantly, Dallas appears to be proactive this offseason. Do with that what you will.