The Dallas Cowboys are seeking to work out a long-term deal with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. Should the two parties not be able to work out a new contract, Dallas is reportedly likely to use a franchise tag on the 26-year-old. The tag would secure Odighizuwa’s services at an estimated $25.1 million next season.
Last year, in his fourth season with the Cowboys, the 6-foot-2, 280-pound defender totaled 47 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defended.
Spotrac projects Odighizuwa’s market value at an average annual salary of $21 million. A former third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he had a 68.1 overall grade and ranked 38th out of 219 interior defenders, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Cowboys have just $1.39 million in cap space available for 2025, although Dallas is rumored to likely restructure Dak Prescott’s contract, which would free up more than $35 million in cap space next season.
Dallas’ defense allowed 27.5 points per game last year, second-worst in the NFL. They also gave up 355.2 yards per game, fifth-most.
This offseason, the Cowboys hired Matt Eberflus as their defensive coordinator. The 54-year-old had been the Chicago Bears head coach for the last three years before being fired in November.
