Osa Odighizuwa’s Contract Talks: Will the Cowboys Lock Him in for 2025?

Osa Odighizuwa, the Dallas Cowboys’ rising defensive tackle, has established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s defensive line. With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, the Cowboys are faced with the crucial task of deciding whether to lock him in for the 2025 season and beyond. This decision will significantly impact the team’s roster, salary cap, and overall defensive strategy. Odighizuwa’s breakout performances and his essential role in the Cowboys’ defense put him in high demand, making his contract negotiations one of the most important offseason storylines for the team.

1. Osa Odighizuwa’s Rise to Prominence

Since being drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Osa Odighizuwa has consistently showcased his ability to disrupt offenses. The Nigerian-American defensive tackle has become a critical part of Dallas’ defensive front, known for his explosive first step, strength, and ability to apply pressure on the quarterback. Over the course of his career, Odighizuwa has posted impressive statistics, including multiple sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits. His performance in 2024 was particularly eye-catching, as he led the team in several key defensive categories, making him a player to watch in the upcoming free agency.

2. Statistical Breakdown: 2024 Performance and Impact

In the 2024 season, Odighizuwa continued to demonstrate why he’s one of the premier young defensive tackles in the NFL. Here’s a look at his performance during that season:

• Sacks: Odighizuwa recorded a career-high number of sacks, proving to be an essential part of the Cowboys’ pass-rush efforts.
• Tackles for Loss: His ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage was evident, as he posted double-digit tackles for loss.
• Quarterback Hits: Odighizuwa ranked among the top interior defensive linemen in terms of quarterback hits, showing his consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Run Defense: His size and physicality also made him a reliable asset against the run, frequently clogging running lanes and forcing ball carriers to redirect their paths.

These contributions not only helped the Cowboys’ defensive unit maintain a dominant edge but also made Odighizuwa a potential breakout star. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him indispensable, further strengthening the Cowboys’ defensive schemes.

3. Projected Contract and Market Value

As Odighizuwa enters contract negotiations, the market value for a player of his caliber has become a central focus. The defensive tackle position has seen substantial pay increases over the past few seasons, as more teams are prioritizing interior pass rushers.

According to several projections, Odighizuwa is expected to command a substantial contract. Multiple sources predict that he could secure a deal in the range of $21 million per year. Specifically, Pro Football Focus suggests a four-year, $85 million contract, which includes $42.5 million in guaranteed money. This would average $21.5 million annually, putting him among the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league.

Other analysts have proposed slightly different figures, with some projecting a three-year deal worth around $63 million, which would average $21 million per year. Such a deal would place Odighizuwa in the upper echelon of interior defensive linemen in terms of salary.

4. Dallas Cowboys’ Salary Cap Situation

Despite Odighizuwa’s standout performances, the Cowboys’ financial situation may complicate matters. The team is currently navigating a tight salary cap, with several key players already under hefty contracts. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are among the highest-paid players, which significantly impacts the team’s ability to make high-profile signings.

The Cowboys’ current cap space for the 2025 season is limited, which could hinder their ability to sign Odighizuwa to the market value he might demand. A potential strategy could involve restructuring some of the Cowboys’ veteran contracts, such as those of Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons, to free up additional cap room. However, even with these adjustments, Odighizuwa’s potential $21 million per year asking price may be a tough pill to swallow.

5. Franchise Tag: A Possibility for Odighizuwa?

With Odighizuwa entering free agency after the 2024 season, the Cowboys might consider using the franchise tag as a temporary solution. The franchise tag for a defensive tackle is expected to be around $24 million for the 2025 season, which could allow the Cowboys to retain Odighizuwa for another year while negotiating a long-term deal. However, this approach would also result in a large portion of the team’s cap space being allocated to just one player.

The franchise tag would likely be a last resort, as the Cowboys would prefer to sign Odighizuwa to a long-term deal rather than commit to a one-year, high-cost contract. The tag would also limit the Cowboys’ flexibility in addressing other roster needs.

6. Team Needs and Roster Composition for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, the Cowboys will need to prioritize both offense and defense in their roster construction. With key players such as Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb already on long-term contracts, the Cowboys have limited flexibility to make major acquisitions. Furthermore, the defense has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, thanks in part to Odighizuwa’s presence.

However, the Cowboys also have a number of pressing needs on both sides of the ball, including depth at linebacker and improving the offensive line. These considerations will factor heavily into negotiations, as the team will have to balance their desire to retain Odighizuwa with the need to address other areas of weakness.

7. Market Competition: Other Teams Interested in Odighizuwa

As a potential free agent, Odighizuwa will undoubtedly attract attention from several NFL teams. The competition for his services could drive up his asking price, potentially complicating the Cowboys’ efforts to retain him. Several teams, including the Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and Cincinnati Bengals, are rumored to be in the market for a defensive tackle of Odighizuwa’s caliber. The presence of these teams on the market could make it more difficult for the Cowboys to keep Odighizuwa, as they may be unwilling to match a significant contract offer from another team.

The presence of market competition means that the Cowboys will have to act quickly and decisively in negotiations to avoid losing Odighizuwa to a rival team. This could mean offering a deal before free agency begins or using the franchise tag as a way to secure him temporarily while they work out a long-term deal.

8. Osa Odighizuwa’s Future with the Cowboys

Ultimately, the decision to retain Osa Odighizuwa for the 2025 season and beyond will depend on several factors. These include the Cowboys’ salary cap situation, the market value of Odighizuwa’s services, and the team’s ability to make room for his contract. Odighizuwa’s leadership on the field, combined with his age and skill set, make him a valuable asset that the Cowboys may be willing to prioritize.

Whether the Cowboys can lock him in for 2025 will depend on their ability to navigate the financial complexities of the situation, including potential contract restructures and adjustments to the overall roster. While retaining Odighizuwa is a high priority for the Cowboys, the financial hurdles they face may make his future in Dallas uncertain.

Conclusion

The contract talks surrounding Osa Odighizuwa are likely to dominate the Cowboys’ offseason in 2025. With his impressive performances, leadership, and ability to impact the game in numerous ways, Odighizuwa has become an essential part of the Cowboys’ defense. However, the team’s salary cap situation and the growing market demand for high-caliber defensive tackles make his future uncertain.

As the offseason progresses, the Cowboys will need to weigh their options carefully to secure Odighizuwa’s services while maintaining flexibility for other roster improvements. The resolution of these contract negotiations could determine the direction of the Cowboys’ defense and their chances of success in the coming seasons.