The writing wall was on the wall for the Dallas Cowboys defensive tackles — too much money, too much talent and not enough snaps to go around.
The answer came on Wednesday after the Cowboys traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 3rd round draft pick.
“The Cowboys are trading DT Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers, multiple sources tell me,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on his official X account. “The disruptive Odighizuwa had 17 sacks, 34 TFLs and 2 forced fumbles during his tenure in Dallas. The Cowboys discussed trading Osa Odighizuwa to the Raiders in a package for Maxx Crosby last week before the deal ended up in Baltimore. Now it’s the 49ers who get him.”
“The Cowboys recoup a third-round pick they gave up in last year’s trade for George Pickens,” ESPN’s Todd Archer wrote on X. “They now have picks Nos. 12 and 20 in the first round and No. 93 in the third round.”
It also rids them of Odighizuwa’s massive salary — he signed a 4-year, $80 million contract extension in March 2025.
That still leaves the Cowboys with a pair of highly-paid Pro Bowl defensive tackles in Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, although there’s definitely a chance Clark might still be dealt.
The Cowboys weren’t done trading defensive tackles with Odighizuwa. That was followed just minutes later by Dallas trading defensive tackle Solomon Thomas as well.
“Trade: The Titans are trading for Cowboys defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, per sources,” The Athletic’s Diana Russini wrote on X. “The teams are also swapping 7th-round picks in this year’s draft.”
Trade Rumors Started Early for Osi Odighizuwa
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine called Odighizuwa and Clark the top 2 trade assets for the Cowboys this offseason.
There’s a good chance Clark and his 3-year, $64 million contract end up elsewhere as well.
“We all know how much Jerry Jones values run defense,” Ballentine wrote. “But even the most dedicated to stopping the run would admit that paying three defensive tackles a combined $63 million against the cap next season isn’t wise roster-building. After trading for Quinnen Williams and acquiring Kenny Clark in the Micah Parsons trade, that’s exactly what’s happening with the trio of Williams, Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa. Williams is the latest addition, which makes it hard to see them trading him. Dealing Clark would free up $21.5 million, so he’s the most logical choice. But Odighizuwa’s ability as a pass-rusher and his age (27) make him worth more on the trade market.”
There’s also a good chance the Cowboys try to replace either Odighizuwa or Clark — or both — in the draft. There’s some irony in getting a 3rd round pick in return for Odighizuwa, who was a 3rd round pick (No. 75 overall) by the Cowboys out of UCLA in the 2021 NFL draft.
Trading for Clark & Williams Did Little to Fix Defense
The Cowboys traded for both Williams and Clark in 2025 but still went 7-9-1 overall and missed the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive season. They also had the 30th ranked defense in the NFL.
One thing to look forward to on defense for the Cowboys in 2026 is a new face in charger. The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after 1 season and replaced him with 34-year-old former Philadelphia Eagles assistant Christian Parker.
In ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock draft, the Cowboys are projected to pick Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 12 overall and Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor at No. 20 overall.
Cowboys Send $80 Million DT to NFC Rival for Day 2 Draft Pick