The Cowboys stun with an $80 million offseason trade that shakes the NFL
“We’re going to be selectively aggressive,” were the words used by Stephen Jones, Jerry Jones son, to describe the Cowboys’ approach this offseason. After a disappointing 7-10 season, the promise of a more calculated approach seemed like a step toward redemption. Now, it appears Dallas is delivering on that promise in full force.
The team just shocked everyone with a spectacular $80 million trade, a strategic play that sends a clear message, the Cowboys are not willing to back down. The recent signing of Osa Odighizuwa, the young defensive tackle who has been a key piece of Dallas defensive line, confirms that the franchise is ready to secure its future.
Odighizuwa just signed a 4-year, $80 million contract, with $58 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, catapulting him among the highest-paid defenders in the league.
Odighizuwa, selected at the 75th spot in the 2021 draft, has never missed a game with the Cowboys, and his streak of 67 consecutive games makes him an indispensable pillar. His impressive performance last season, with 4.5 sacks and 5 tackles for loss, made Dallas go all-in for him.
However, this extension is not just a commitment to Odighizuwa, but also a statement of Dallas intent to reinforce its defense.
In fact, the decision to offer such a lucrative contract instead of using the franchise tag, which would have cost them $25.1 million, shows that the Cowboys were not about to let Odighizuwa slip away under any circumstances.
And this is just the beginning, because other key defensive players like Jourdan Lewis and Chauncey Golston could follow the same path toward new extensions.