The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. Key defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa is set to become a free agent, and reports suggest he may join the Washington Commanders, reuniting with former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who now serves as the Commanders’ head coach.
Osa Odighizuwa’s Impact on the Cowboys
Since being drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Odighizuwa has developed into a cornerstone of Dallas’s defensive line. His consistent performance and ability to disrupt opposing offenses have made him an invaluable asset. Over the past seasons, he has recorded impressive statistics, including tackles for loss, quarterback pressures, and sacks, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s rising defensive stars.
The Potential Reunion with Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn, who served as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator before taking the head coaching position with the Commanders, played a pivotal role in Odighizuwa’s development. Their strong professional relationship could be a significant factor in Odighizuwa’s potential decision to move to Washington. Quinn’s defensive schemes and coaching style have historically maximized the talents of players like Odighizuwa, making the Commanders an attractive destination.
Implications for the Cowboys’ Defense
Losing Odighizuwa to a division rival would be a substantial blow to the Cowboys’ defense. His departure would create a void in the interior defensive line, potentially weakening the team’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and defend against the run. The Cowboys would need to explore options to fill this gap, either through the draft, free agency, or developing existing talent on the roster.
The Commanders’ Perspective
For the Washington Commanders, acquiring a player of Odighizuwa’s caliber would significantly bolster their defensive front. His familiarity with Quinn’s system would facilitate a seamless integration into their defense, enhancing their pass rush and run-stopping capabilities. This move could also shift the balance of power within the NFC East, intensifying the rivalry between the two teams.
Financial Considerations
Contract negotiations will play a crucial role in Odighizuwa’s decision. The market for top-tier defensive tackles has been lucrative, and Odighizuwa is expected to command a substantial salary. The Cowboys’ front office, led by Stephen Jones, has expressed a desire to retain key players, but salary cap constraints may limit their ability to offer a competitive deal. Conversely, the Commanders may be in a more favorable cap situation, enabling them to present a more enticing offer.
Strategic Implications for the Cowboys
The potential loss of Odighizuwa underscores the importance of strategic planning in roster management. The Cowboys will need to assess their defensive depth and consider investing in emerging talent or pursuing other free agents to mitigate the impact. Additionally, this situation highlights the challenges teams face in balancing player retention with salary cap limitations.
The Key Free Agency Defensive Star for the Dallas Cowboys Expected to Leave for a Rival
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads as they enter the 2025 NFL free agency period. One of their key defensive stars, Osa Odighizuwa, is expected to leave the team and sign with a divisional rival, potentially the Washington Commanders. This move would be a significant shift in the NFC East landscape, as the Cowboys would lose a critical piece of their defensive front while a rival gains a top-tier playmaker.
Osa Odighizuwa’s Impact on the Cowboys’ Defense
Since being drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Odighizuwa has steadily developed into one of the most reliable interior defensive linemen for Dallas. His ability to generate pressure from the defensive tackle position has made him invaluable in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme. Over the past few seasons, he has consistently been among the team’s leaders in quarterback pressures, tackles for loss, and sacks for an interior lineman.
His presence has also helped free up the Cowboys’ edge rushers, such as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, allowing them to thrive in pass-rushing situations. Losing Odighizuwa would force the Cowboys to find a replacement either through the draft, free agency, or by elevating an existing player on the roster.
The Connection with Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders
Dan Quinn, the former defensive coordinator of the Cowboys, accepted the head coaching position with the Washington Commanders in early 2025. Given his history with Odighizuwa, it’s no surprise that Washington is considered a top landing spot for the defensive tackle.
Quinn’s defensive system emphasizes pressure from the front four, and Odighizuwa’s skill set fits perfectly within that framework. If the Commanders successfully sign him, he would become an integral part of their defensive rebuild. Additionally, moving to Washington would allow him to reunite with Quinn and play in a system that maximized his talents in Dallas.
The Cowboys’ Salary Cap Challenges
One of the major factors contributing to Odighizuwa’s potential departure is the Cowboys’ salary cap situation. The team already has significant money allocated to key players such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons (who is expected to receive a massive extension), and Trevon Diggs. The front office must carefully navigate its financial commitments while trying to retain core defensive pieces.
Odighizuwa is expected to command a contract in the range of $12-15 million per year, given the current market for top interior defensive linemen. The Cowboys may not be able to match the offers coming from other teams, especially if they prioritize extending other stars or addressing weaknesses in the secondary and offensive line.
What Losing Odighizuwa Means for the Cowboys
If Odighizuwa departs, the Cowboys will need to find a replacement to maintain the effectiveness of their defensive line. Several potential options include:
- Internal Development: The Cowboys could look to players like Mazi Smith, their 2023 first-round pick, to take on a larger role. Smith has shown flashes of dominance but will need to improve consistency.
- Free Agency Signings: There are several veteran defensive tackles who could provide a stopgap solution, though the team would need to find a financially feasible option.
- NFL Draft: The Cowboys could target a defensive tackle early in the 2025 NFL Draft, though rookie linemen often take time to adjust to the NFL level.
How Odighizuwa’s Move Impacts the NFC East Rivalry
The NFC East has always been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, and Odighizuwa’s potential move to Washington would add another layer to the rivalry. The Cowboys and Commanders have a long-standing history of fierce matchups, and losing a key defensive player to a division rival would only intensify future meetings.
With the Commanders looking to rebuild under Quinn, adding a player of Odighizuwa’s caliber would significantly bolster their defensive front. If paired with talented edge rushers already on Washington’s roster, he could become a disruptive force in the division. His familiarity with the Cowboys’ schemes and players would also give Washington a strategic advantage in future matchups.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
While losing Odighizuwa would be a tough blow, the Cowboys have a history of developing strong defensive linemen and making necessary adjustments. The front office will need to act quickly to either re-sign him or pivot to alternative solutions.
The next few weeks will be crucial as the Cowboys weigh their options and attempt to make the best possible moves to maintain their status as contenders in the NFC. If Odighizuwa does leave for Washington, Dallas will have to regroup and ensure they don’t lose ground to their division rivals.
Conclusion
Osa Odighizuwa’s impending free agency decision is a major storyline for the Cowboys. His potential departure to the Washington Commanders would be a significant shift in the balance of power within the NFC East. While the Cowboys would suffer a defensive loss, the Commanders would gain a proven playmaker to bolster their defensive unit.
The Cowboys’ front office faces a difficult challenge in navigating their salary cap constraints while maintaining a competitive roster. The coming weeks will determine whether they can retain one of their top defenders or if they will need to find a new solution in free agency or the draft. Either way, the NFC East is in for another intense season, and the rivalry between Dallas and Washington may be hotter than ever.