https://player.anyclip.com/anyclip-widget/lre-widget/prod/v1/src/lre.js
Let’s say the Cowboys turn up their nose at the idea of signing Osa Odighizuwa to a massive contract extension many predict he’ll command. Let’s say they take that money saved on Odighizuwa and spread it across two outside free agent defensive tackles instead.
Yes, that’s a laughable proposition for Dallas Cowboys fans familiar with the front office’s spending habits, but it’s an idea worth exploring regardless. While the Cowboys front office prefers to spend on their own veterans rather than use money on outside free agents, for the purpose of this exercise we’ll pretend they have open hearts and open minds to all possibilities. Since the DT position is currently a blackhole of ineptitude in Dallas, spreading the wealth might be worth it to them. It’s in the name of “more bang for the buck.”
Predicted by Pro Football Focus to garner a four-year, $85 million contract, Odighizuwa is expected to command $21,250,000 per season on his next deal. It’s a jaw dropping figure, to be sure, and one many have called outrageous given Odighizuwa’s modest output as a pro. To critics the idea of spreading that wealth elsewhere makes more sense, even if it’s farfetched, so for them we explore the alternative.
Using PFF’s same salary prediction model we can see who the Cowboys can sign for roughly the same dollar figure than Odighizuwa. Levi Onwuzurike, 26, was Detroit’s breakout 3-tech in 2024. The former second round pick posted a 12.5 percent pass-rush win rate last season and could effectively pick up where Odighizuwa left off. He’s predicted to command a manageable two-year, $16,500,000 contract on his next deal, so he’ll be half the cost of Dallas’ departing free agent. The only downside is Onwuzurike has a history of back injuries and has missed 25 games since joining the NFL four years ago.
At 1-tech DT the Cowboys could then sign standout B.J. Hill from Cincinnati (something they should do anyway). Hill is expected to command a two-year, $20,500,000 contract in free agency. The combination of Hill and Onwuzurike is less annually than Odighizuwa by himself, and theoretically feasible to a franchise like Dallas who penny pinches.
At 6-foot-3, 311-pounds, Hill isn’t the biggest DT in the land, but he is effective. Pairing the two DTs in the defensive interior would elevate the Cowboys defensive line considerably. Assuming both could stay healthy, they could more than make up for the reliable Odighizuwa who would leave in this scenario. The Cowboys would also add a rookie or two in this DT-rich draft class, effectively revamping the Cowboys’ biggest weakness in just a single offseason.
The idea of the Cowboys spending big money on outside free agents may seem farfetched but that doesn’t mean it’s an unreasonable solution. It’s just another interesting scenario to weigh this free agency period as the Cowboys look to become playoff contenders again.