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The Dallas Cowboys are making waves this offseason, and it's not just about their draft picks or free agency splashes. Nope, it's about their heartfelt commitment to defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. As contract rumors swirl around the 26-year-old star, the Cowboys have taken a refreshingly warm approach, announcing what's being dubbed a "loving" stance toward keeping him in the fold. So, what's the scoop, and why's this got Cowboys Nation buzzing?
Odighizuwa's been a beast on the defensive line, racking up a career-high 4.5 sacks and leading all interior defenders with 23 quarterback hits in 2024. With free agency looming in March 2025, he's poised to cash in big-analysts project a deal around $21 million per year. That's serious coin, and teams like the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly circling. But the Cowboys aren't ready to let their homegrown talent slip away without a fight-or, apparently, some affection.
COO Stephen Jones recently spilled the beans to The Dallas Morning News, saying, "We have had negotiations with Osa. I just think Osa is a really good football player. He's an important piece."
That's not just business talk-that's a guy who's genuinely valued. The team's even hinted at using the franchise tag ($23.4 million) or transition tag ($18.9 million) if talks stall. But the "loving" vibe came through loud and clear when Jones called Odighizuwa a "priority" in a chat with Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein. It's less about cold, hard cash and more about showing some love for a player who's been a rock for four seasons.
Osa Odighizuwa's $63M future: Cowboys' loving plan unveiled
Fans are eating it up too. Posts on X show a mix of excitement and nerves-everyone wants Osa locked down, but that price tag's got some sweating. The Cowboys, sitting $2.8 million over the cap, have some juggling to do with stars like Micah Parsons also in line for extensions. Still, this "loving" stance signals they're not just letting Odighizuwa walk without a warm embrace first.
So, what's next? Negotiations are heating up as the NFL Scouting Combine wraps up, and Dallas seems determined to keep their defensive heart intact. Whether it's a blockbuster deal or a tagged season, one thing's clear: the Cowboys are all in on Osa Odighizuwa-with a little love to boot.