It would be nothing short of shocking if the Dallas Cowboys traded Osa Odighizuwa. However, after word got around that he was floated in Maxx Crosby trade negotiations, Dallas has reportedly received more calls on its $80 million defensive tackle.
Well, the Cowboys only stoked more flames on Tuesday when they restructured Kenny Clark's contract. ESPN's Todd Archer reported that Clark's $11 million roster bonus due next week was converted to a signing bonus, opening up roughly $8.8 million in cap room.
The move puts an end to any discourse about Clark being released or traded in the name of saving money, and it naturally raises questions about whether Dallas has another move brewing on Day 2 of free agency.
The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly restructured Kenny Clark's contract
If you've been tracking the Cowboys' intentions with Clark, it's no surprise they want to keep him around. It was even reported that the two sides were in talks about an extension. The restructure may put that on ice, but defensive coordinator Christian Parker clearly has big plans for Clark.
Speaking at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Parker thought Clark was the best nose tackle in the league when the two crossed paths in Green Bay.
“When I was in Green Bay with (Kenny Clark), he was the best nose (tackle) in football, in my opinion, at doing this style because he plays with good length and he has a good anchor. Quinnen Williams, this is how he played at Alabama.”
Notice who wasn't mentioned? Osa Odighizuwa. While Parker meant no shade to the Cowboys' former third-round pick, it's clear that Odighizuwa is No. 3 in the pecking order. He will get plenty of playing time, but can Dallas afford to have a player who makes $20 million per year playing around 50 percent of the snaps?
The irony is that Odighizuwa was the alpha of the DT room when he got paid, establishing himself as one of the best pass-rushing interior defenders in the game.
While he's still worthy of that distinction, the Cowboys are now on their third defensive coordinator since then, and Quinnen Williams and Clark are not only better players but better fits in Christian Parker's scheme. The NFL moves quickly.
That doesn't mean a trade will happen, but Cowboys fans should undoubtedly be on Osa watch going forward.