3 moves that could completely change how the Dallas Cowboys’ underwhelming Osa Odighizuwa trade feels
The Dallas Cowboys trading away Osa Odighizuwa hurt the team. But it’s still early to evaluate the deal.
Let’s not beat around the bush. For now, the Dallas Cowboys trading away DT Osa Odighizuwa made the team significantly worse.
The Cowboys lost a valuable starter and interior pass rush specialist for a third-round pick. With his departure, they worsened the defensive tackle room, their only position group that felt like an absolute strength going into the 2026 NFL season.
The key phrase is “for now.” Simply put, we don’t know what the Cowboys plan to do with the No. 92 overall pick they received in return for Osa from the San Francisco 49ers.
Here’s my stance: If it’s ultimately used in a third-round rookie in April, it’s going to be tough to see it as anything else other than the Cowboys trying to save some money. If, however, it’s used to acquire a veteran that can make an impact now, then it could be a positive move.
With that in mind, here are three ideas of what the Cowboys could do to make the Odighizuwa trade feel much better.
Trade pick No. 92 for LB Patrick Queen
The Cowboys swung and missed on the linebackers of this year’s free agency class. They were in the mix for Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and even Devin Lloyd but came out empty-handed. But what if they trade for Queen?
The Steelers have been fielding trade calls for the veteran linebacker, probably in an attempt to unload a contract set to pay Queen $10.83 million in base salary in 2026 and another $2.5 million in a roster bonus due on March 15.
Queen is a durable middle linebacker capable of wearing the green dot and acting as an all-encompassing captain in the middle of any defense.
Trade it for EDGE Jonathan Greenard
The Vikings are also known to be mulling a potential trade of standout edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Now, it’s true. The Cowboys already traded for Rashan Gary, and that could likely rule them out of making another deal.
But Greenard has been the better pass rusher as of late and the Cowboys need someone to move the needle. With two 12+ sack seasons in the last three years, Greenard could be that guy.
Before acquiring the 49ers’ third-round pick, this scenario seemed like a long shot because the Cowboys had no Day 2 pick in this year’s draft. Now they do.
Re-spark the Maxx Crosby trade
Quick disclaimer: Crosby put out a tweet Wednesday night that strongly suggests the Las Vegas Raiders don’t intend to move him. However, this is the NFL and things change. Just ask the Raiders, who had already agreed to trade the star edge rusher before the Baltimore Ravens shockingly backed out of the deal.
Now, I’m not saying the Cowboys will get Crosby for a third-round draft pick. But it could be a part of a larger package should those conversations start back up closer to the draft.
It seems unlikely now, but Crosby rocking the black and silver in 2026 remains far from certain.
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