The Dallas Cowboys are prioritizing a new deal for defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa over star defensive end Micah Parsons. According to a report from the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have begun negotiations with Odighizuwa, who is a free agent and can sign elsewhere. Team VP Stephen Jones confirmed that talks are underway, stating, “We have had negotiations with Osa… I just think Osa is a really good football player. He’s an important piece.”
Odighizuwa’s market value is estimated to be around $21 million per year, with projections suggesting a three-year, $63 million deal. Pro Football Focus forecasts a similar value, with a four-year, $65 million deal. The Cowboys may use the franchise tag to keep Odighizuwa, which would come in at $23.4 million for one year. However, this would only be a short-term solution, and the team may be hesitant to use this option.
The decision to prioritize Odighizuwa’s deal over Parsons’ is surprising, but the team hopes to sign both players to long-term contracts. Odighizuwa’s performance has been impressive, with a pass-rush grade of 79.0, ranking eighth in the NFL. The Cowboys will need to decide how much they are willing to pay Odighizuwa, and whether using the franchise tag is a viable option.