The Dallas Cowboys have finalized a significant contract extension with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, agreeing on a four-year deal valued at $80 million, with a substantial $58 million in guaranteed money. This announcement was made by Odighizuwa’s agent on Tuesday, just hours ahead of the franchise tag deadline, a consideration where Odighizuwa could have been designated a $25 million tag for defensive tackles.
The agreement also includes a signing bonus of $20 million. Along with this significant deal, the Cowboys have negotiated a one-year contract renewal with C.J. Goodwin, a crucial player for Dallas’ special teams. In a strategic financial move, the team has also adjusted star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s contract, freeing up $20 million in salary cap space. Lamb is currently in the midst of a four-year, $136 million deal signed last year.
The team has also retained exclusive rights free agent Brock Hoffman, who is anticipated to step into a starting role at right guard following Zack Martin’s retirement. Martin, who earned a stellar reputation as a seven-time All-Pro, decided to retire after an impactful career, leaving a spot that Hoffman, who replaced Martin during a previous injury, is now poised to fill.
Odighizuwa, drafted in the third round in 2021, has rapidly emerged as a key component of Dallas’ defensive line. He showcased his prowess last season by matching star player Micah Parsons with 23 quarterback hits, the highest on the team. Under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, part of head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s team, Odighizuwa’s return will bolster efforts to strengthen the team’s run defense, a known area of vulnerability in recent years.
Odighizuwa counts among 20 unrestricted free agents for the Cowboys this offseason, with other prominent names like DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston also on the list. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie contract, with an opportunity to become one of the league’s highest-paid defensive players. Odighizuwa is expected to partner with third-year nose tackle Mazi Smith, a first-round pick from 2023, enhancing the interior defense.
Last season, Odighizuwa achieved a career-high of 4.5 sacks, contributing to his total of 13.5 sacks across four NFL seasons. Additionally, he set a personal best with 47 total tackles last year, underlining his growing impact within the Cowboys’ defense.
