Dallas Cowboys Considering Franchise Tag for Osa Odighizuwa
The Dallas Cowboys are facing a critical decision as they consider placing a franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. NFL teams have a deadline of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, to tag their free-agent players, a move that would lock Odighizuwa into a one-year contract worth $25.1 million for the 2025 season. This salary is calculated as the average of the top five highest-paid defensive tackles from the previous season, with Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs setting the bar at a staggering $34.85 million. The franchised tag would provide Odighizuwa with significant financial security, aligning him with the elite defenders in the league. However, it also speaks to the Cowboys’ desire to retain a cornerstone player who has been nothing short of consistent and impactful during his time in Dallas.
Odighizuwa’s Impactful Career
Osa Odighizuwa, who will turn 27 just before the start of the 2025 campaign, has quickly become a vital part of the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive lineup. In the 2024 season, he recorded 4.5 sacks and 47 tackles in 17 games, adding five tackles for loss and 22 quarterback hits to his impressive stat line. His contributions go beyond the numbers, though. Odighizuwa’s ability to anchor the interior of the defensive line and disrupt opposing offenses has been crucial. Since joining the Cowboys as a third-round pick (No. 75 overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft, Odighizuwa has demonstrated remarkable durability and reliability. He has not missed a single game in his four seasons, playing in all 67 games he was available for, with 63 starts. His career averages of 3.4 sacks, 44 tackles, and seven tackles for loss per season underscore his consistent performance and value to the team.
The Financial Implications
The financial implications of the franchise tag are significant for Odighizuwa. At $25.1 million, it is a substantial one-year investment that places him among the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league. However, it is worth noting that while the tag offers immediate financial security, it does not guarantee a long-term future with the Cowboys. The team has the option to use the tag to buy time and continue negotiations on a multi-year deal. For Odighizuwa, this could be a valuable opportunity to showcase his skills further and potentially leverage a more lucrative long-term contract. The Cowboys are well aware of the importance of retaining key defensive players, as seen in their previous use of the franchise tag on Tony Pollard in 2023, who was then offered $10.1 million. Pollard ultimately signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency, highlighting the sometimes temporary nature of the franchise tag.
The Broader Negotiation Landscape
While the Odighizuwa situation is a focal point, the Cowboys are also engaged in discussions with other key defensive players, notably defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and linebacker Micah Parsons. Lawrence, a veteran player, is expected to move on to free agency, as he anticipates a contract that surpasses what the Cowboys can offer. His departure would leave a significant void in the defensive line, adding to the pressure on the team to secure Odighizuwa. On a more positive note, Micah Parsons, one of the NFL’s brightest young stars, will remain under contract for at least one more season after the Cowboys picked up his fifth-year option worth $21.32 million. Despite this, the team has not yet initiated contract talks with Parsons, a decision that reflects the complex nature of NFL negotiations and the balance between financial prudence and retaining talent.
Brian Schottenheimer’s Perspective
At the NFL scouting combine earlier this week, new Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the ongoing contract negotiations. Schottenheimer, known for his straightforward approach, emphasized that contract talks are a "two-way street," implying that both the team and the players must be willing to come to an agreement. This statement underscores the importance of mutual respect and understanding in the negotiation process. For Odighizuwa, this could mean that while the Cowboys are committed to retaining him, they also expect him to be open to discussing terms that are fair for both parties. Schottenheimer’s perspective adds a human element to the often-mechanical world of contract negotiations, highlighting the interpersonal dynamics that can influence outcomes.
The Future of the Cowboys’ Defense
The Dallas Cowboys are at a pivotal moment in shaping their defensive future. With the potential loss of DeMarcus Lawrence and the ongoing negotiations with Osa Odighizuwa and Micah Parsons, the team must carefully weigh its options. Odighizuwa’s consistent performance and durability make him an attractive candidate for the franchise tag, ensuring that the interior defensive line remains strong. Parsons, with his fifth-year option secured, provides a core of leadership and talent that the Cowboys can build around. However, the impact of Lawrence’s expected departure cannot be ignored, as it will require the team to explore other avenues to bolster their defensive end position. The franchise tag decision on Odighizuwa is a crucial step in maintaining the Cowboys’ defensive integrity, and the coming weeks will be essential in determining the direction of the team’s defensive strategy.
