Cowboys Secure Defensive Tackle Odighizuwa with $80 Million Extension

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year contract extension worth $80 million, with $52 million guaranteed, the team announced Tuesday. The deal comes just days before free agency begins and the expiration of the franchise tag deadline.

Odighizuwa, 26, was poised to hit the open market after being a third-round draft pick in 2021. His agent, Sam Leaf Ireifej, confirmed the terms of the agreement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The extension prevents the Cowboys from having to utilize the franchise tag, which would have cost approximately $25.1 million.

“He’s a homegrown guy who we think is a really good football player,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said at the NFL scouting combine last week. “Keeping him in Dallas is a win for our team heading into a season with a new defensive coordinator.

Odighizuwa’s performance has made him one of the most notable defensive tackles in the league. Over his first four seasons, he has recorded 172 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks. In 2024, he achieved a career-high with 47 combined tackles and 4.5 sacks over 17 starts, maintaining a streak of 51 consecutive starts.

Pro Football Focus ranked Odighizuwa as the 31st-best interior defender last season, indicating he had one of the top pass-rushing grades in the league. Specifically, he finished 12th among interior defensive linemen in pass-rush win rate.

With Odighizuwa’s contract settled, the team is expected to shift their focus to securing a long-term deal with star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Meanwhile, several other Dallas defenders, including Lawrence and cornerbacks, are set to hit the free agency market, prompting ongoing discussions with their agents.

Prior to signing Odighizuwa, the Cowboys had only $2.4 million in salary cap space, which they have now expanded after restructuring contracts and managing their cap efficiently. The Cowboys are aiming to solidify their roster as they prepare for a new season under the leadership of first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer and new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.