Cowboys Eye Franchise Tag for Defensive Tackle Odighizuwa as Deadline Nears

CINCINNATI — The Dallas Cowboys plan to utilize the franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if a long-term contract isn’t finalized by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, sources told ESPN.

The franchise tag for defensive tackles is projected at approximately $25.1 million. This action would mark the seventh time in eight years the Cowboys have opted for this route in contract negotiations.

Contract discussions between the Cowboys and Odighizuwa have gained traction in recent days; however, without a mutual agreement, the team may have to tag him to prevent him from entering free agency. Odighizuwa, selected by Dallas in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, is highly regarded among this year’s free agent class.

“Osa has done a terrific job for us. He’s a terrific young player,” said Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the NFL Scouting Combine. “There’s a lot of ongoing conversations, and it’s never done until it’s done, but he’s a guy we’d love to have back.”

Odighizuwa, 26, has started 63 games and played in all 67 games throughout his career, showcasing remarkable durability. He recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks and 54 quarterback pressures last season, indicating his significant contribution to the Cowboys’ defensive efforts.

In the 2024 season, he managed 47 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one forced fumble, further demonstrating his impact on the field. At 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, Odighizuwa emphasizes leverage and quickness, making him effective in both pass rushing and defending against the run.

The team has until Tuesday to tag Odighizuwa before the deadline for pending free agents, which if enforced, would remove a key player from the league’s free agent pool.

“The depth in our defensive line is a concern,” Schottenheimer added. “Re-signing Odighizuwa could be a significant boost to our defense.”

Odighizuwa’s statistics over four NFL seasons highlight his value, boasting 172 tackles and 13.5 sacks, making him one of the most sought-after defensive tackles in the league.

With impending changes ahead of the 2025 season, the Cowboys’ decisions surrounding Odighizuwa’s future will be critical for both the team’s roster and overall strategy entering free agency.