Tue Mar 04 17:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Cowboys Lock Up Odighizuwa with $80 Million Extension

**FRISCO, Texas** – The Dallas Cowboys have secured one of their key defensive players, agreeing to a four-year, $80 million contract with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, his agent announced. The deal, which includes $58 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, prevents Odighizuwa from reaching free agency and avoids the need for the franchise tag.

This marks the latest in a string of lucrative extensions for homegrown talent by the Cowboys, following similar deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb last year. The team now shifts its focus to negotiating a long-term contract with star pass rusher Micah Parsons.

Odighizuwa, a 26-year-old third-round pick from UCLA in 2021, has established himself as a consistent performer, starting 63 of his 67 career games. He had a standout 2024 season, recording 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles, and 54 pressures – second only to Parsons on the team. His performance and durability, playing a career-high 860 snaps last season, solidified his value to the Cowboys.

The team’s decision to extend Odighizuwa before the franchise tag deadline reflects their commitment to retaining key players under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Previous attempts to utilize the franchise tag on players like Tony Pollard and Dalton Schultz resulted in their departure the following year, prompting the Cowboys to prioritize long-term deals this time around.

While Odighizuwa’s deal is secured, the Cowboys still face upcoming free agency decisions for several other defensive players, including DeMarcus Lawrence, Jourdan Lewis, Chauncey Golston, and Eric Kendricks. The team is currently in discussions with their agents to explore further contract extensions.

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