The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of work to do this offseason. One of the most important tasks may actually be keeping one of their notable defensive linemen in recent seasons.
Osa Odighizuwa has been a consistent source of discussion so far this offseason. The Cowboys and the young DT are trying to work out an extension, but Dallas has a backup plan if that does not happen.
Latest on Cowboys DT Osa Odighizuwa
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys do plan on using the franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if the two sides do not reach a long-term deal by Tuesday. The tag is projected at $25.1 million.
Sources; The #Cowboys plan to utilize the franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if a long-term deal is not reached by Tuesday. No final decision but that is the current expectation.
The tag is projected at $25.1 million. pic.twitter.com/xVj4IK1f2z
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 2, 2025
If he hit the open market, Odighizuwa would absolutely have a robust market. The young lineman didn’t explode onto the season to start his pro career, but he has continued to develop and impress, especially in 2024.
If you look at some analytics, he was one of the most disruptive pass-rushing DTs in all of the NFL. His impact in Dallas is clear and obvious. Clearly, the front office and staff have noticed that as well.
Osa Odighizuwa had a 96th-percentile pass-rush win rate in 2024 (15.1%) via PFF.
Fourth-best among qualifying DTs. https://t.co/lCv8ckCGbg
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) February 27, 2025
Odighizuwa totaled 54 QB pressures a season ago. With a bit more help on the DL, it is safe to believe that the pass rush can become more consistent next season and beyond.
“The Cowboys have done enough work on an Osa Odighizuwa extension that I wouldn’t be surprised to see them use the franchise tag on him if a deal isn’t completed by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline—just to give them more time to complete that deal.” — Dan Graziano
As of now, there’s a clear plan in Dallas. they have no intention of seeing him in a different jersey next season. We will see if they can find a way to lock Odighizuwa in long-term as well.