Grading the (other) trade: Why the Cowboys immediately dealt away another defensive tackle after shipping Osa Odighizuwa
The Dallas Cowboys traded DT Solomon Thomas to the Tennessee Titans. Here’s why.
The Dallas Cowboys’ trade for Osa Odighizuwa overshadowed another deal they made that was much smaller in compensation and in impact ahead of the 2026 NFL season. But it was still a very meaningful one.
The Cowboys traded DT Solomon Thomas to the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round pick swap. Specifically, the Cowboys are giving up pick No. 225 but receiving pick No. 2018, essentially moving up seven spots in this year’s NFL Draft.
Why the Cowboys made the deal
This move isn’t about the compensation, as it essentially means the Cowboys were getting ready to release Thomas. Instead, the Titans barely give up anything to make sure they get their guy.
For the Cowboys, the move is particularly surprising because it happened on the heels of the Odighizuwa trade. With the standout three-technique out the door, it would have made plenty of sense to keep Thomas for depth purposes, especially since he can play multiple spots across the defensive line.
But new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker is believed to have a lot of input on the defensive roster, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s targeting someone else to take his place. Or if it’s recent signing Otito Ogbonnia that he has in mind, though he’s more of a nose tackle.
Grading the trade
Until we learn what the plan is, it’s difficult to evaluate the trade. For now, we know the Cowboys got worse at defensive tackle by losing Thomas. That’s likely to be temporary, but it’s their current reality. With no compensation going to the Cowboys, I’ll ride the fence with an average grade for this one.
But I’ll give them some extra points for getting something in return for a player they were likely releasing anyway.
FINAL GRADE: B-
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