Osa Odighizuwa is’very close’ to signing a big contract with the Dallas Cowboys, according to speculations.

In the world of professional football, few things matter more to a team’s future success than player development and effective contract management. The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise with a rich history of success, are no stranger to the importance of cultivating homegrown talent. One such player, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, has quickly emerged as one of the team’s key defensive assets. Recent speculations suggest that Odighizuwa is on the verge of signing a significant contract extension with the Cowboys, and this decision could have major implications for the franchise moving forward.

This article delves into why the Cowboys are reportedly close to locking up Osa Odighizuwa, what his contract means for the team, and how his presence could impact the future of the Cowboys’ defense and their championship aspirations.

Osa Odighizuwa: A Rising Star

Osa Odighizuwa was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, with the 75th overall pick. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive tackle out of UCLA was seen as a promising prospect capable of adding youth, athleticism, and versatility to the Cowboys’ defensive line. His combination of quickness, power, and work ethic immediately made him an intriguing player for the Cowboys’ coaching staff.

While it takes time for many rookies to acclimate to the speed and physicality of the NFL, Odighizuwa made an immediate impact in his first season with the Cowboys. He showed great promise as a disruptive force on the interior of the defensive line, providing a push against the run and demonstrating a knack for collapsing the pocket on passing downs. In his rookie season, Odighizuwa played in 16 games, recording 3 sacks, 30 tackles, and 5 tackles for loss. He quickly established himself as a key rotation player for the Cowboys and a building block for the future.

In his second season, Odighizuwa’s performance continued to improve. He further developed his pass-rush ability, becoming a consistent threat in the backfield. His increased snaps and growing role in the Cowboys’ defensive game plan only solidified his place as a foundational player for the team’s defensive future. His versatility allowed him to play both defensive tackle and defensive end in certain situations, making him even more valuable as a two-way asset.

Why the Cowboys Are Looking to Lock Him Down

As Odighizuwa’s performance continued to exceed expectations, it became clear that he was a key piece of the Cowboys’ defense. However, the true value of retaining him was magnified when the Cowboys faced the looming reality of contract negotiations. The Cowboys have several key players on the roster whose contracts will need to be addressed in the coming years, and Odighizuwa’s contract extension could be one of the first moves in the process of maintaining their competitive window.

1. The Cowboys’ Defensive Identity

The Cowboys have gradually developed one of the more dominant defenses in the NFL, with a mix of dynamic pass-rushers, strong linebackers, and ball-hawking cornerbacks. Micah Parsons has undoubtedly stolen the spotlight as the team’s most exciting defensive player, but the defense is a collective effort. As teams look to build championship-caliber defenses, they need players like Odighizuwa who can consistently generate pressure up the middle and create a more balanced defensive front.

Odighizuwa’s versatility and ability to rush the passer from the interior have made him one of the most valuable players in the Cowboys’ defensive rotation. His presence in the middle allows Parsons and other edge rushers to do their jobs with less focus on the interior offensive line. Keeping a player like Odighizuwa is crucial to maintaining the defensive identity the Cowboys have built. By locking up Odighizuwa long-term, the Cowboys ensure they have a steady and capable performer in the trenches for years to come.

2. Rising Market Value and Future Contracts

As the NFL’s salary cap continues to rise and the market for top defensive tackles increases, Odighizuwa’s value as a player is only expected to climb. Given his recent development and the role he plays in the Cowboys’ defense, Odighizuwa could command a significantly higher salary in free agency if left to test the market. This is why the Cowboys have reportedly moved quickly to sign him to an extension.

Defensive tackles, especially those who can contribute to both the run defense and the pass rush, are among the most coveted positions in the modern NFL. If the Cowboys are going to maintain a strong defensive front while also ensuring their offense has the weapons it needs, they must balance their cap space effectively. Signing Odighizuwa now, before he reaches the free-agent market, allows the Cowboys to secure a key piece of their defense at a potentially lower price than they would pay if they waited another year or two.

Additionally, signing Odighizuwa now could allow the Cowboys to avoid the franchise tag, which can often be more expensive in the long run. It gives the team the flexibility to manage their cap and allows them to avoid potentially bidding against other teams who may see Odighizuwa as a valuable target.

3. Contract Considerations and Team Building

The Cowboys have a number of players on their roster who will soon require contract extensions or re-signing. While key stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are locked up for the foreseeable future, other important players like Trevon Diggs, Micah Parsons, and others are nearing the end of their rookie deals or entering contract negotiations. By securing Odighizuwa to a multi-year extension, the Cowboys can lock down one of their young defensive stalwarts without having to worry about his future contract status for the time being.

In the NFL, building a team around a few elite players is often the key to success, but the Cowboys understand that they also need to maintain a balanced roster with depth and talent in every area. By extending Odighizuwa, they secure one of their most promising defensive players while also ensuring that their defense remains strong and continues to develop.

What Odighizuwa’s Contract Means for the Cowboys

The speculation surrounding Odighizuwa’s impending contract extension signals a major move for the Cowboys’ long-term plans. His new deal could have a far-reaching impact on several aspects of the team, from the defensive scheme to future roster decisions.

1. Defensive Line Reinforcement

As mentioned earlier, Odighizuwa’s ability to pressure the quarterback from the interior of the defensive line is one of the key factors that makes him so valuable. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, clog up running lanes, and collapse the pocket adds a critical layer to the Cowboys’ defensive line. Extending him now gives the team a stable, reliable performer in the middle of the line, helping to maintain the defensive line’s dominance for the next few seasons.

Additionally, with Parsons often playing on the edge or moving around the defensive front, Odighizuwa’s ability to anchor the interior allows other pass rushers to thrive. Keeping a player like Odighizuwa means that the Cowboys will have consistent pressure coming from all angles, forcing opposing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations.

2. Continuity in the Locker Room

Odighizuwa has quickly become a leader in the Cowboys’ locker room. He has earned the respect of his teammates due to his work ethic, humility, and team-first attitude. By signing him to a long-term contract, the Cowboys send a strong message to the rest of the roster that they are committed to keeping their key players and building for the future. Odighizuwa’s continued presence helps maintain continuity and fosters a culture of stability within the team.

In the NFL, having players who buy into the team’s philosophy and play with passion is essential to success. Odighizuwa’s leadership qualities and on-field performance make him an ideal candidate for a long-term extension, and keeping him in Dallas sends the message that the team values both talent and character.

3. A Focus on the Future

By locking up Odighizuwa, the Cowboys can turn their attention to other areas of the team that need attention. With the defensive line solidified, the Cowboys can look to address other potential gaps, such as adding depth at linebacker or fortifying the offensive line. This deal allows the Cowboys to maintain their long-term vision while keeping their defense competitive.

The Cowboys have a talented roster and a good mix of young stars and seasoned veterans. Keeping Odighizuwa as part of that future helps them maintain a balance that allows the team to continue competing for championships while developing new talent.

 A Smart Move for the Cowboys

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to finalize a major contract extension with Osa Odighizuwa, it’s clear that this move is a strategic one that strengthens their defense for the long term. Odighizuwa has proven to be one of the most promising young defensive players on the team, and locking him up now ensures that the Cowboys continue to have a strong presence in the trenches. This extension allows the Cowboys to remain competitive while also looking ahead to other areas that require attention.

Odighizuwa’s new contract is just one piece of the puzzle for the Cowboys, but it is a crucial one. By securing his services for years to come, the Cowboys are not only building a stronger defense but also reinforcing their overall team-building philosophy. If Odighizuwa continues his trajectory of development, he could be a key contributor to a Dallas Cowboys team that contends for a Super Bowl title in the near future. The future is bright for Odighizuwa, and with his impending contract extension, the Cowboys’ defense looks poised for continued success.