One of the most dynamic defensive players for the Cowboys is a guy who often gets overlooked. More exciting players tend to own all the attention. Although Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs are important to the defense, they need much more. The Dallas Cowboys need to complete an Osa Odighizuwa contract as soon as they can.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Need to Extend Osa Odighizuwa
How Osa Odighizuwa is Dynamic and Not Easily Replaced
Besides splash players, one of the biggest sore spots on the team is the lack of linemen depth. Luckily, the offensive side of the ball ended the season stronger than they started. Yet, the lack of depth is even more amplified for the defensive line. The Cowboys stack great guys at EDGE with Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, but that’s pretty much it. Now though, Odighizuwa has shaken this D-Line up.
He’s a run-stopper, not allowing opposing players to break the line easily. Weighing in at a lighter 280 pounds, Odighizuwa moves through big offensive linemen in order to create pressure. In both 2023 and 2024, Odighizuwa saw 9.5 stuffs while adding 4.5 sacks. He’s smaller than most of the offensive line he defends against, but he holds his own. And no matter his assignment, he’s successful. Similar to Parsons, Odighizuwa cycled through multiple defensive coordinators. Yet, he managed to go up in total tackles every year.
The Biggest Problem with Releasing Odighizuwa
Odighizuwa is a wonderful player. Letting him go might be what happens if Parsons eats up most of the cap space. But the Cowboys can’t afford to let that happen. Defensive tackle cannot afford to lose depth. At the forefront is Mazi Smith. Smith hasn’t managed to live up to expectations as a first-round draft pick. He’s still finding his footing and confidence in the league. There’s still plenty of time and room for him to develop, but he isn’t Odighizuwa. Coming in at over 330 pounds, Smith’s size makes him a different kind of DT.
Behind those two isn’t much. Linval Joseph, an addition during training camp in 2024, suited the defense run by Mike Zimmer. However, Matt Eberflus is now the defensive coordinator. He might want more defensive tackles with Odighizuwa’s size and speed. Changing the defensive style could mean it’s even more important to keep Odighizuwa as opposed to letting him walk in free agency.
The Price of a Defensive Tackle
Several other defensive tackles in the league see paychecks well over $15 million a season. Odighizuwa has the talent to match tons of them. Supposedly, talks are already headed in a positive direction with a contract renewal, but that could change. Because Parsons isn’t already under contract, it might be a very tight budget to work with. Restructuring Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb should allow some wiggle room. But then, with more cash, it could be more preferable to pay for an even more coveted position.
It’s possible with the completely new coaching staff that the Cowboys will finally be able to properly develop their defensive line. Smith could be encountering a coach that really takes his game to the next level. The draft could pop in adding exciting talent to the roster. But all of that doesn’t have the same ring without Osa Odighizuwa wearing the star.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj – Imagn Images
