The Dallas Cowboys have some choices to make regarding Osa Odighizuwa, beginning with whether or not to use the franchise tag on the standout defensive tackle.
DALLAS — It isn’t an offseason for the Dallas Cowboys if they don’t have some contract drama with one of their top players. Last year, two big deals needed to get done and eventually got done, and this year another All-Pro is up for an extension, as is another one of the building blocks on the defensive line.
The good news is the team is moving quicker this offseason than it did last year. There are reports that the Cowboys have already opened contract talks with star edge rusher Micah Parsons, which comes on the heels of the team talking with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa about a new deal all last week.
The NFL scouting combine is for potential draft prospects to be measured, but it’s also where the juicy information gets out ahead of contract decisions. Stephen Jones spoke to the media at the combine and mentioned how the team and Odighizuwa were working on a new deal to keep him in Dallas.
Parsons is the bigger name, but Odighizuwa might be the more important piece to get signed first, namely because of the timeline. While Parsons is still under contract for another season, Odighizuwa is an unrestricted free agent and someone the team could lose in the next few weeks if they don’t address him now.
Without Odighizuwa, the Cowboys are extremely thin at DT, and he’s been the best player for the defense on interior since he was drafted in 2021. Last year was the four-year veteran’s best season with a career high in sacks with 4.5, tackles with 47, and 23 quarterback hits, which was more than double his previous best.
If Odighizuwa doesn’t stay with the team, the next best DT is Mazi Smith, who hasn’t played up to his first-round status. Smith will also be playing for his third defensive coordinator and scheme in three years, so there’s work for him to do to be the presence that the Cowboys need him to be on the defensive line.
There also isn’t much depth at the position in Dallas, so it’s imperative that Odighizuwa be retained, which is likely why the Cowboys are trying to keep their blossoming DT. Even if a long-term deal isn’t done soon, reports are that the team is willing to use the franchise tag on Odighizuwa.
The deadline to decide on whether to use the tag closes on Tuesday, March 4 at 4 p.m. EST. The cost of the tag is pricey at $25.1 million, but the Cowboys know that they can’t allow Odighizuwa to leave and are prepared to keep him.
Nevertheless, that’s a large sum to keep a DT who hasn’t made a Pro Bowl, but the Cowboys are reportedly offering over $20 million annually to keep him in an extension, so paying a little higher to guarantee he stays is smart business. Odighizuwa would also be one of the biggest names on the free-agent market if he were available.
If they do use the tag, it doesn’t mean that Odighizuwa will merely play out the one-year deal and leave, as it is a mechanic that allows the two sides to keep working toward an agreement that could keep the DT with the Cowboys for longer.
The tag would guarantee that Odighizuwa doesn’t become an unrestricted free agent, at least for another year. If the team tags Odighizuwa, they’ll have until July 15 to work out an extension, or he’ll play next season under the tag.
Getting a long-term contract worked out is in the best interest of the team because they’re up against the cap, and using over $25 million of space isn’t ideal. An extension would free up cap dollars for 2025 and make it easier for the Cowboys to maneuver in free agency that’s due to arrive in under two weeks.
The Cowboys can’t afford to lose their 26-year-old DT, and they’re prepared to ensure that he sticks around. It feels like a deal could be coming, and it’s a positive that both sides have been talking, but having the franchise tag at their disposal will help the Cowboys keep Odighizuwa if the sides can’t come to an agreement.
Owner Jerry Jones likes to say deadlines make deals, and the first deadline is rapidly approaching. The wait is on to see if the Cowboys and Osa Odighizuwa can agree to a long-term deal. If not, the first domino in the process falls, which will help keep a coveted player in Dallas.
As talks with Parsons and fellow free agent cornerback Jourdan Lewis are also ongoing, this offseason has barely begun and the Cowboys are already putting themselves in a better position than they were last year. It’s amazing how well it can work when they put in some effort.
Do you think the Cowboys should ink Odighizuwa long term? Share your thoughts with Ben on X (formerly Twitter) @BenGrimaldi.
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