Osa Odighizuwa signs $80M, 4-year deal with Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have reached an important agreement with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, finalizing a contract extension worth $80 million over four years, with a substantial $58 million guaranteed. This deal, brokered by Odighizuwa’s agent, was concluded mere hours before the deadline for NFL teams to designate franchise tags. Odighizuwa had been considered as a potential recipient of the $25 million franchise tag for defensive tackles. The contract includes a significant $20 million signing bonus, reflecting the Cowboys’ commitment to retaining his talents.

In addition to securing Odighizuwa, the Cowboys have made strategic moves to bolster their roster and manage their salary cap. They reached a one-year agreement with special teams expert C.J. Goodwin and have restructured the contract of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, freeing up $20 million in cap space. Lamb had previously signed a lucrative $136 million, four-year contract during the previous season.

Odighizuwa, originally drafted in the third round in 2021, has evolved into a key player on Dallas’ defensive line. Last season, he matched the impressive performance of standout pass rusher Micah Parsons, both leading the team with 23 quarterback hits. His return comes at a crucial time, as Matt Eberflus steps in as the new defensive coordinator under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Addressing the team’s challenges in stopping the run will be a primary focus for the new leadership.

As a part of the Cowboys’ offseason strategy, Odighizuwa was among 20 unrestricted free agents. This group also includes notable players such as DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons is approaching the final season of his rookie contract, positioning him for a potential future as the league’s highest-paid defensive player. Moving forward, Odighizuwa is likely to collaborate on the defensive line with third-year nose tackle Mazi Smith, a first-round pick from 2023.

Odighizuwa’s performance last season marked a career peak, as he achieved a personal best of 4.5 sacks, contributing to a total of 13.5 over his four NFL seasons. His impressive 47 total tackles were also a career high, further showcasing his value to the Cowboys’ defense.