As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the Dallas Cowboys were interested in retaining their star defensive tackle and contract negotiation talks have been going on for the past few weeks. Since today is the deadline to franchise or transition tag players, Dallas felt pressured to extend their standout defender before the deadline to tag players passed so they don’t have to place a $25.1 million fully guaranteed tag. With four hours left to go, the Cowboys were able to get a deal done.

Dallas Cowboys sign standout defender to monster contract extension

According to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Cowboys and Osa Odighizuwa have agreed to a monster long-term contract extension. As Rapoport and Garafolo point out, the deal is for 4 years and is worth $80 million, with $58 million guaranteed. Instead of making $25.1 million with the franchise tag, Odighizuwa is making $5.1 million less than the tag but in return, gets long-term security.

Where does his salary rank among interior defensive linemen?

• • His $80 million total value ranks 12th
  • His $20 million APY ranks 15th

• His $58 million in total guarantees ranks 9th