49ers Acquire DT Osa Odighizuwa from Cowboys, Ending $80M Contract
The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant move by acquiring defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys. The trade, announced on Wednesday, includes a third-round pick for the Cowboys, which will be the No. 92 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. This trade ends Odighizuwa’s tenure with the Cowboys after just one year of a lucrative contract.
Details of the Trade
Osa Odighizuwa was signed by the Cowboys last March to a four-year, $80 million contract, which would have accounted for $20.75 million against the cap in 2026. With this trade, the Cowboys save $4.75 million, incurring $16 million in dead money.
Background on Osa Odighizuwa
- Age: 27
- Drafted by the Cowboys: 2021, third round
- Games Started: 76 out of 84
- Career Stats: 17 sacks, 81 quarterback hits, and 216 tackles (34 for loss)
- Missed games: Only one in his entire career
Odighizuwa started 62 consecutive games for the Cowboys before the arrival of fellow defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in November. He contributed to the defensive line but started only two of the last six games in the 2025 season.
Why the Cowboys Made the Move
The Cowboys have been restructuring their defensive lineup under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. The arrival of high-priced defensive tackles, including Williams and Kenny Clark, created a logjam in the interior line. With their financial constraints and other roster needs, trading Odighizuwa became a practical decision.
Additional Trade
Alongside Odighizuwa’s trade, the Cowboys also dealt defensive tackle Solomon Thomas to the Tennessee Titans. Thomas, who had a one-year stint with Dallas, played in 16 games and started two, totaling 27 tackles without any sacks.
Impact on the 49ers
The 49ers expressed a need for a veteran defensive presence after narrowly missing out on free agent John Franklin-Myers. Their defensive tackle group struggled significantly last season, finishing with a league-low 20 sacks.
- Odighizuwa’s Sacks Last Season: 3.5
- Quarterback Pressures in 2025: 52
- Best Pressure Leader for 49ers in 2025: Jordan Elliott (16 pressures)
With Odighizuwa’s arrival, the 49ers aim to enhance their defensive line, which will likely include him alongside Alfred Collins and star defenders Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams.
Future Outlook
As the 49ers continue to build their defensive roster, they remain in search of talent that fits their game plan. Recent adjustments in the roster, including tendering restricted free-agent defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, indicate a strategic shift focusing on performance and depth on the defensive front.
The addition of Odighizuwa is seen as a step toward improving their defense, which will play a crucial role in their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.
