There's a big misunderstanding about Osa Odighizuwa as Dallas Cowboys work on a deal for standout defensive tackle
I've got to admit I'm surprised by the reaction from a portion of the Dallas Cowboys fanbase to the latest news surrounding DT Osa Odighizuwa. According to various reports, the Cowboys are negotiating a long-term deal for DT Osa Odighizuwa and they plan to use the franchise tag on him if they fail to do so […]
I've got to admit I'm surprised by the reaction from a portion of the Dallas Cowboys fanbase to the latest news surrounding DT Osa Odighizuwa.
According to various reports, the Cowboys are negotiating a long-term deal for DT Osa Odighizuwa and they plan to use the franchise tag on him if they fail to do so by Tuesday's deadline to tag franchise and transition players.
But either way, Osa is shaping up to be a Cowboy in 2025 and likely, beyond.
Some fans aren't in love with the idea, with many claiming on social media they'll be overpaying for him after reports emerged on Osa's long-term deal being set to pay him above $21 million per year. I've seen an accusation tossed around more than once that the Cowboys like to overpay for "average" players.
This is the first of two misunderstandings I see around Odighizuwa discussions. The guy is far from average. In 2024, he finished the season as a Top 3 player in pressures, quarterback hits, and pass rush win rate. He was also a decent run defender even though it's not his specialty.
Odighizuwa is considered the top DT in the market ahead of this year's free agency for a reason. Claiming he's an average player is simply a made up argument.
About Osa Odighizuwa being "overpaid" at over $21 million per year
However, the biggest misunderstanding is that of him being "overpaid" at above $21 million. That sounds like a lot for a defensive tackle but in a way it isn't. According to Over the Cap, there are 14 defensive tackles making at least $21 million in average value per year. Chris Jones from the Kansas City Chiefs leads the pack at a whopping $31.75 million.
In other words, the defensive tackle market has come a long way. For the sake of argument, if Odighizuwa signed to a deal worth $22 million per year, he wouldn't crack the Top 10 highest-paid defensive tackles. Make it a hypothetical $23 million and he'd still rank eighth in the NFL.
It's just what a quality player like him goes for these days. And he's got leverage on Dallas, too: The Cowboys don't have a proven defensive lineman outside of Micah Parsons. New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus needs someone like Odighizuwa to be an anchor point on his defense.
There's a lot the Cowboys need to do to be successful this offseason but paying Osa is the right call and "overpay" won't be a proper description if a deal gets done.
