Stephen Jones: “Still Got Work to Do” – Cowboys COO Talks Osa Odighizuwa Extension and Offseason Plans
Following the emotional retirement press conference of legendary guard Zack Martin, Stephen Jones, the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of the Dallas Cowboys, took time to meet with the media to discuss the future of the team, including the crucial task of securing key players for the future and addressing offseason needs. With the retirement of Martin, the Cowboys are looking to continue their success while ensuring the roster remains competitive.
Osa Odighizuwa’s Extension: A Priority for the Cowboys
One of the most pressing issues on the Cowboys’ agenda is the future of Osa Odighizuwa, the dynamic defensive tackle who has become a standout force on the defensive line. Jones emphasized that Odighizuwa’s extension is a top priority moving forward.
“Osa has been a key contributor to our defensive success,” Jones said. “He’s a versatile player who plays with a high motor and continues to get better every season. We believe he is a cornerstone piece of our defensive line, and extending him is a priority as we move forward.”
Odighizuwa’s ability to disrupt the backfield and his consistent pressure against the run and pass make him one of the most valuable pieces of the Cowboys’ defense. With his contract up, the Cowboys will likely need to come to terms on a deal that reflects his growing importance to the team’s success. Jones made it clear that while negotiations may take time, securing Odighizuwa is essential to maintaining the strong defense that has been a hallmark of Dallas in recent years.
Addressing Offseason Needs
With the retirement of Zack Martin, the Cowboys now face an important offseason where they will need to address both offensive line depth and other roster holes. While the Cowboys have solidified much of their core, there are still areas where upgrades or reinforcements will be necessary. Jones was clear that the front office is not resting on its laurels and that they are already at work preparing for the next phase of building a championship-caliber roster.
“Obviously, we still got work to do,” Jones noted. “We’ve got a few areas that need addressing. The offensive line will be a big focus for us after losing Zack Martin. We have to make sure we continue to build a strong front to protect our quarterback and open up running lanes.”
With Martin’s retirement leaving a hole on the offensive line, the Cowboys will likely need to either draft a replacement or pursue free-agent options who can step in and immediately contribute. The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a key element of their success in recent seasons, and maintaining a solid unit will be critical to ensuring Dak Prescott remains protected and that the running game remains effective.
In addition to the offensive line, Jones mentioned that the team would be looking to bolster other areas, including wide receiver and potentially adding more depth to the secondary. Given the Cowboys’ solid core, the focus for the offseason will likely be on strategic additions rather than a complete overhaul.
“We’ve got a strong foundation, but we need to continue to add pieces that will help us take the next step. The offseason is always about balancing the long-term and short-term needs, and we plan to do that through both the draft and free agency.”
The Plan for the Draft and Free Agency
Jones hinted that the Cowboys’ approach to both the draft and free agency would be strategic. While the Cowboys have multiple needs to address, they also have a strong roster foundation that can be built upon with the right additions.
“Free agency will be a big part of our strategy, but we also recognize that the draft is where we can make long-term investments,” Jones explained. “We want to find players who can make an immediate impact, but we also want to continue to build for the future.”
Jones acknowledged that there are plenty of talented players available in both the draft and free agency who can step in and help the team. However, the focus will be on finding the right fit—players who align with the team’s needs and the overall culture that the Cowboys are building.
Reflecting on Zack Martin’s Legacy
Although the conversation primarily centered on the future of the Cowboys, Jones took a moment to reflect on the legacy of Zack Martin, who announced his retirement after an illustrious career.
“Zack Martin has been the cornerstone of our offensive line for a decade,” Jones said with admiration. “His leadership and consistency were unparalleled, and he set a standard that all future Cowboys offensive linemen will strive to meet. We can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for this team and this organization.”
Martin’s retirement leaves a significant void not just on the field, but in the locker room as well. His leadership was invaluable, and his presence will be greatly missed by both his teammates and the coaching staff. However, Jones emphasized that the Cowboys are ready to take on the challenge of replacing Martin’s production, though they’ll never be able to fully replicate what he brought to the team.
Looking Ahead: A Championship Mindset
Despite the work that still lies ahead, Jones made it clear that the ultimate goal for the Cowboys remains championship contention. With a talented roster already in place and key positions that still need attention, the front office is intent on building a roster capable of winning it all.
“We’re always thinking about the next step and what we need to do to get to that next level,” Jones said. “We have a lot of talent, but we know that every year is an opportunity to get better. That’s what we’re focused on: taking this team to the next level and ultimately competing for a championship.”
The Cowboys’ Future Is Bright
As Stephen Jones emphasized, there’s still work to be done in Dallas, but the Cowboys are in a strong position. The focus on extending Osa Odighizuwa, addressing offensive line needs in the wake of Zack Martin’s retirement, and continuing to strengthen the team through free agency and the draft are all critical steps toward achieving the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl.
For Cowboys fans, the future is promising. While there are some challenges ahead, the Cowboys’ front office, led by Stephen Jones, is clearly determined to build a team that can compete for a championship in the coming seasons.