Cowboys Rumors: 'Extensive' Osa Odighizuwa Has Had Contract Talks Before NFL FA

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly working hard to retain one of their best defensive players this offseason.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys have had "extensive" contract conversations with Osa Odighizuwa, who is set to hit free agency this offseason. ESPN's Dan Graziano noted that it wouldn't be surprising for Dallas to franchise tag Odighizuwa to get more time to work out a deal.

Odighizuwa is coming off a season in which he recorded 47 tackles and a career-high 4.5 sacks. He also had a forced fumble in 2024. If he hits the open market, he'll be one of the best available defensive tackles alongside Philadelphia Eagles star Milton Williams.

Spotrac projects Odighizuwa to have a market value of $21 million per year, a comparable contract to players like New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Cowboys new head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke highly of Odighizuwa this week and emphasized that he wants to re-sign him.

"I think there's a lot of ongoing conversations," Schottenheimer told reporters at the NFL Combine. "Obviously, Osa has done a terrific job for us. He's a terrific young player. He does everything right, and as the communications keep going. It's never done until it's done, but he'd be a guy we'd love to have back."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported earlier this week that while the Cowboys and Odighizuwa "are not particularly close" to a deal, "they're working to try and somehow get this done."

Odighizuwa isn't the only free agent the Cowboys are hoping to retain this offseason as Graziano also reported that Dallas wants to re-sign free agent cornerback Jourdan Lewis and potentially defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.

An extension for star Micah Parsons is also looming as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.