The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly expected to place the franchise tag on Defensive End Osa Odighizuwa. If the two sides cannot agree to a long-term deal by Tuesday, Odighizuwa will be tagged. The franchise tag is expected to be $25.1 million for the defensive end position this offseason.
Odighizuwa had 47 tackles this past season and 4.5 sacks. Both numbers were a career-best for the former third-round pick. According to ESPN, Odighizuwa had the 12th-best Pass Rush Win Rate for a defensive tackle during the 2024-2025 season. How will the situation between the Odighizuwa and the Dallas Cowboys resolve itself?
Dallas Cowboys Offseason Summary
Sources; The #Cowboys plan to utilize the franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if a long-term deal is not reached by Tuesday. No final decision but that is the current expectation.
The tag is projected at $25.1 million. pic.twitter.com/xVj4IK1f2z
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 2, 2025
Dallas is coming off a disappointing regular season that was upended by injuries. Quarterback Dak Prescott was limited to 8 games. He underwent season-ending hamstring surgery in November. Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb was sidelined for the final two games with a shoulder injury. Linebacker Micah Parsons also missed four games with an ankle injury.
Odighizuwa is not the only important contract decision the Dallas Cowboys are faced with this offseason. Parsons is slated to sign a long-term contract with the franchise that should make him one of the highest-paid players in the league. Dallas must also improve its running back room and hope that new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer can lead the team back to the NFL Playoffs.
Final Thoughts
If Owner/General Manager Jerry Jones’ recent history is any indication, Odighizuwa will be tagged. Jones has taken his time signing players to long-term contracts. For example, he signed Prescott hours before the 2024-25 regular season kicked off. Odighizuwa is a solid player who should remain with the Dallas Cowboys on a franchise tag that will pay him handsomely for his services.
