The Dallas Cowboys have started the offseason with a bang, signing star defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a long-term extension.
This is a job well done by the front office. Not only did they beat Tuesday's franchise tag deadline, but they signed Odighizuwa with a week to spare before free agency. This gives the front office ample time to re-sign other free agents and potentially hammer out an extension with Micah Parsons before the new league year on March 10.
Odighizuwa signed for $80 million over four years on the dotted line. The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and $52 million guaranteed. It's actually a cheaper deal than what was being reported from the Combine, but it still may hinder the team's ability to keep other players.
3 Cowboys who are on thin ice after huge Osa Odighizuwa extension
3. Carl Lawson, DE
Lawson had a resurgent year with Dallas after signing with the team well into training camp. He finished third on the team with 5.0 sacks and tallied 15 quarterback hits, 27 pressures and a 67.4 pass-rush grade, via Pro Football Focus.
Like so many players on the roster, Lawson stepped up amid the team's injury crisis. Unfortunately, the former fourth-round pick could have a robust market after his bounce-back season. Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News is hearing that Lawson may walk as a free agent.
While the Cowboys made another change at defensive coordinator, hiring Matt Eberflus to replace the likely retiring Mike Zimmer, retaining Lawson should be a priority for the front office. However, money might be tight after Odighizuwa's extension and Lawson may want to go to the highest bidder approaching his age-30
2. Rico Dowdle, RB
This one could go either way. Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram understands the team wants Dowdle back. That will be easier said than done, though, after Dowdle was one of the league's most prolific running back over the second half of the season.
Dowdle became the first undrafted player since 2014 to record three-straight 1,000-yard rushing games. He ranked top 10 at the position in yards after contact and yards per carry, and he placed 13th in total missed tackles forced, per PFF.
The free agency class for RBs is not nearly as strong or deep as last year's. Between Najee Harris, Javonte Williams, Aaron Jones and J.K. Dobbins, it's a really underwhelming class. Dowdle will be one of the most courted players.
Dowdle has positioned himself to get $5-7 million per year. If the Cowboys are confident they can find a starter in the NFL Draft (how could they not be?), they might let Dowdle walk.
1. Chauncey Golston, DE
Thrust into a prominent role amidst injuries to Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence and Marshawn Kneeland, Golston stepped up in a huge way. He played the sixth-most snaps on the defense and produced to the tune of 5.5 sacks. Only Micah Parsons had more QB takedowns.
Golston added 37 pressures, five passes defended, which underlines his activity at the line of scrimmage and tied Odighizuwa with 30 defensive stops.
The buzz following the NFL Combine was that Golston could fetch a handsome contract on the open market. While Odighizuwa took a slight discount to remain with the Cowboys, it is hard to envision the front office forking over the necessary money to keep Golston.
Still just 27 years old, Golston's best football is ahead of him. His ability to kick inside on passing downs and play all over on special teams will only boost his value to potential suitors.