Cowboys Extend Osa Odighizuwa with $80M Contract Deal

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Cowboys Extend Osa Odighizuwa with $80M Contract Deal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million contract with $58 million guaranteed, securing a key piece of their defense. The team also restructured CeeDee Lamb’s contract, creating $20 million in cap space and re-signed special teams standout C.J. Goodwin. With Micah Parsons’ future contract looming, the Cowboys are strategically managing their roster to remain NFC contenders.

Dallas Cowboys Secure Osa Odighizuwa: Quick Looks

The Cowboys and DT Osa Odighizuwa agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with $58 million guaranteed.
The contract, confirmed by his agent, includes a $20 million signing bonus.
Dallas also restructured CeeDee Lamb’s contract, freeing $20 million in cap space.
Odighizuwa tied Micah Parsons for the team lead in QB hits last season.
His return strengthens new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ focus on run defense.

Deep Look

The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move to retain one of their top defensive players, agreeing to a four-year, $80 million contract extension with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. The deal includes $58 million in guaranteed money and a $20 million signing bonus, solidifying Odighizuwa’s place as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defensive line.

The agreement was reached just hours before the NFL’s franchise tag deadline, preventing Dallas from having to use a $25 million franchise tag on the rising star. Agent Sam Leaf Ireifej confirmed the details of the contract, which cements Odighizuwa as a long-term defensive anchor in Dallas.

This signing represents a major investment in the Cowboys’ defense, as the team prepares for a new era under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Odighizuwa’s Rise: From Third-Round Pick to Defensive Star

Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Odighizuwa has steadily developed into one of Dallas’ most productive defensive linemen. His ability to generate interior pressure, disrupt the run, and collapse the pocket made him a key priority for retention this offseason.

In 2023, he recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks and 47 total tackles, his best statistical season to date.
He tied Micah Parsons for the team lead with 23 quarterback hits, showcasing his ability to pressure opposing QBs.
His quickness and strength inside complement Dallas’ pass-rushing threats, including Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.
His versatility allows him to line up in multiple schemes, making him a valuable piece in Eberflus’ defensive plans.

Odighizuwa’s presence in the trenches will be critical, especially as Dallas looks to improve its run defense, a consistent weak spot in recent seasons.

How Odighizuwa Fits in Dallas’ Defensive Plans

With Matt Eberflus taking over as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys are expected to put a stronger emphasis on stopping the run while maintaining their pass-rushing dominance.

Odighizuwa’s extension ensures that Dallas will have stability on the interior line, with plans to pair him alongside third-year nose tackle Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-round pick. The duo will be tasked with fortifying the middle of the defense, helping Dallas better control the line of scrimmage.

Additionally, Odighizuwa’s ability to collapse the pocket from the inside will complement Micah Parsons’ elite pass-rushing skills, making it harder for quarterbacks to step up and evade pressure.

With DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston still free agents, the Cowboys may look to add more depth at defensive end, but Odighizuwa’s return ensures that the interior defensive line remains a strength.

Cowboys Clear Cap Space by Restructuring CeeDee Lamb’s Contract

In addition to signing Odighizuwa, the Cowboys made a key financial move by restructuring CeeDee Lamb’s contract, creating $20 million in salary cap space.

Lamb, who signed a four-year, $136 million deal last year, is one of the NFL’s elite receivers, and restructuring his contract gives Dallas more flexibility to retain key free agents or make roster additions in the coming weeks.

The Cowboys also agreed to a one-year deal with special teams ace C.J. Goodwin, reinforcing their special teams unit, which has been a strength in recent seasons.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for the Cowboys?

The Cowboys entered the offseason with 20 unrestricted free agents, including defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston. With Odighizuwa’s deal finalized, Dallas must now decide how to allocate resources to fill remaining roster gaps.

One of the biggest looming questions is the future of Micah Parsons, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The All-Pro linebacker is expected to command a record-breaking deal, potentially making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

With Odighizuwa’s contract setting a precedent for high-value defensive signings, the Cowboys will need to carefully manage their cap space to ensure they can afford to retain Parsons long-term.

Impact on the NFC and Dallas’ Playoff Aspirations

With the NFC growing more competitive, the Cowboys need defensive stability to contend with top-tier offenses in the conference.

The San Francisco 49ers, a team that has eliminated Dallas in the past two postseasons, boasts one of the league’s best rushing attacks.
The Philadelphia Eagles have a high-powered offense led by Jalen Hurts and a dynamic rushing game.
Teams like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are emerging as serious playoff contenders, making defensive depth even more important.

Retaining Odighizuwa gives the Cowboys a better chance to remain an elite NFC contender, but more offseason moves will be needed to solidify their championship aspirations.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment in the Cowboys’ Future

By locking in Osa Odighizuwa on a four-year, $80 million contract, the Cowboys have secured a key defensive piece while maintaining financial flexibility for future signings. His pass-rushing ability, run-stopping presence, and overall impact make him a vital part of Dallas’ defensive strategy moving forward.

With CeeDee Lamb’s contract restructuring freeing up cap space, the Cowboys can now shift their focus to addressing remaining roster needs, including potential extensions for Micah Parsons and other key players.

As Dallas looks to build a championship-caliber team, this move marks an important step toward long-term defensive stability in an increasingly competitive NFC.