Osa

Odighizuwa

The deal, which allows Dallas to avoid using the franchise tag, is reportedly worth up to $52 million guaranteed. Odighizuwa’s 60 regular season pressures were third amongst defensive tackles in 2024. The Cowboys, shifting to Matt Eberflus’ more conservative scheme, will need all the one-on-one wins they can get in 2025 and had nothing behind Odighizuwa at the position. It’s perhaps a bit of an overspend, but the Cowboys likely didn’t see any other defensive tackles they valued at Odighizuwa’s level in free agency.

Rapoport said he expected Dallas to use the franchise tag as a temporary placeholder while the two sides hammer out a long-term contract for the standout defensive tackle. The franchise tag is expected to be around $25 million. The 26-year-old defensive tackle totaled 60 regular season pressures in 2024, ranking third at the position. The Cowboys in 2024 led the NFL with a 30 percent pressure rate. Keeping Odighizuwa around seems to be a major priority for the Dallas front office.

The projected $25.1 million franchise tag may be required to retain Odighizuwa’s services, though the final decision has not been made yet. The Cowboys seemed out on Odighizuwa last year to some extent, but he’s a much better fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense. Odighizuwa would have joined Milton Williams at the top of the interior pass rush market if he made it to free agency. It does not appear the Cowboys are willing to let him do so.

The Cowboys continue to take contract talks down to the wire with their star players. The team declined to extend Odighizuwa last offseason, with one year remaining on his rookie contract. The decision will likely cost them quite a bit. The 26-year-old defensive tackle totaled 60 regular season pressures in 2024, ranking third at the position. The interior difference-maker would generate considerable interest from pass-rush needy teams if allowed to hit the open market.

The Cowboys will be without two interior defensive linemen on Sunday, which could, maybe just maybe, open up some running room for Saquon Barkley. It could also give Mike Glennon more time to throw and more time under center before inevitably being replaced by Jake Fromm.

It’s good news for Dallas after Gallimore went down in the Cowboys’ second preseason game. The timetable gives him a chance to be ready for Week 1 if he avoids setbacks. Gallimore’s injury paves the way for rookie DT Osa Odighizuwa to open the season in a starting role.

Odighizuwa (6'2/280) is the brother of former Bruins star Owa Odighizuwa. Osa arrived in Pasadena with a three-star billing and a two-sport background, having been an undefeated, three-time Oregon state heavyweight champion wrestler. An extremely versatile player, Odighizuwa lined up anywhere from 0-5 technique, which is a testament to his herculean strength at 280 pounds. Odighizuwa posted a promising 55 percent 1-on-1 win rate at the Senior Bowl and measured out with an 83-inch wingspan at just 6’1 ½”. Although he didn’t run the 40-yard dash at his pro day, he did record a 7.58 3-Cone drill, 4.50 shuttle and 25 bench press reps. Those solid marks were in addition to a 120-inch broad jump that would have ranked top-five among 2020 NFL Scouting Combine IDLs. Odighizuwa is a ‘tweener three-tech/edge who plays with a strength beyond his stature and needs to add weight to handle the rigors of interior play. Justin Tuck is a best-case scenario comp.

Odighizuwa (6'2/279) started all 12 of UCLA’s games in 2019, producing 46 total tackles (10.0 for loss, 3.5 sacks), three quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. The redshirt senior has been very good in the Bruins’ first three games this season, having already racked up 15 total tackles (5.0 for loss, 3.0 sacks), one quarterback hurry and one pass breakup. Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline has given Odighizuwa a 4th/5th round grade, so he should be off the board early on Day 3 of this spring’s draft.

It’s safe to say strength won’t be an issue for Odighizuwa (6'2/280). The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman also reports Odighizuwa has been running over 20 MPH at practice. A true freak athlete. His two biggest concerns are height and production. Nothing he can do about that first one, but there is still hope that Odighizuwa breaks out as pass rusher. Feldman notes Odighizuwa has made some big strides this offseason now that he’s familiar with the new defense. It’s probably best to bet on the Bruin.

He’s one of six players that will not take the field for the Bruins on Saturday due to suspension, and it’s arguably the biggest loss. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound defender is expected to be a starter for the Bruins at left end after making 5.5 tackles for loss as a redshirt freshman. Fellow end Moses Robinson-Carr is also suspended for the opener, so expect to see Marcus Moore get the start against the Bearcats on Saturday.