The Dallas Cowboys said goodbye to one of their best defensive players on Wednesday night, trading Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick.
While a third-rounder is great value for Odighizuwa, the front office was supposed to add talent to the defense -- which was one of the worst in franchise history last season -- not subtract from it.
You have to think Dallas is plotting a big move behind the scenes. Why else would they offload not only one of their best players, but a leader who brightened the day of everyone he encountered?
Odighizuwa is a big loss, both for the team and the locker room, and Donovan Ezeiruaku's reaction offers a glimpse into how players are feeling.
— Donovan Ezeiruaku 🇳🇬 (@DonovanEze6) March 11, 2026
Donovan Ezeiruaku's reaction to the Dallas Cowboys trading Osa Odighizuwa speaks volumes
That reaction confirms the impact that Odighizuwa made off the field.
On top of being a damn good football player, Cowboys reporters have raved about his character. He's a true professional and genuinely cares about giving back to the community. He was a rock in helping the franchise navigate the tragic loss of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
Those players don't grow on trees. That cannot be overstated. Former athletes go public all the time about how the best players typically aren't vocal leaders in the locker room.
What makes the trade cut deeper is that Odighizuwa loved being in Dallas. NFL Network's Jane Slater revealed after the deal that the Washington Commanders offered Odighizuwa more money last offseason, but the former third-round pick took "significantly" less to remain a Cowboy.
Talk about twisting the knife.
Odighizuwa signed a four-year, $80 million extension, including $39 million guaranteed. While $20 million per year is nothing to sneeze at, it was a surprise at the time that he didn't get closer to $25 million since Dallas allowed his rookie deal to run out before extending him.
In five seasons, Odighizuwa compiled 17.0 sacks, 81 quarterback hits, 34 tackles for loss, 223 pressures, and 115 defensive stops. He is the Cowboys' best draft pick at defensive tackle since former All-Pro Jay Ratliff, a whopping 21 years ago.
All we'll say is that the Cowboys better have a plan. Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark might be the best DT duo in football, but Odighizuwa is a monster loss, regardless of his fit in Christian Parker's scheme.