The deal, which allows Dallas to avoid using the franchise tag, is reportedly worth $80 million with $58 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old defensive tackle totaled 60 regular season pressures in 2024, ranking third at the position. The Cowboys in 2024 led the NFL with a 30 percent pressure rate.

Rapoport said he expected Dallas to use the franchise tag as a temporary placeholder Odighizuwa while the two sides hammer out a long-term contract for the standout defensive tackle. The franchise tag is expected to be around $25 million. The 26-year-old defensive tackle totaled 60 regular season pressures in 2024, ranking third at the position. The Cowboys in 2024 led the NFL with a 30 percent pressure rate. Keeping Odighizuwa around seems to be a major priority for the Dallas front office.

“The current expectation” is that the projected $25.1 million franchise tag will be required to retain Odighizuwa’s services, though the final decision has not been made yet. The Cowboys’ refusal to extend star players early is baffling. Dak Prescott is currently the highest-paid quarterback in average annual value, while CeeDee Lamb’s contract makes him the second-highest-paid wide receiver. Hopefully, a smart, long-term deal can be reached between the Cowboys and their top-tier interior pressure generator.

The Cowboys continue to take contract extensions down to the wire with their star players. The team declined to extend Odighizuwa last offseason, with one year remaining on his rookie contract and the decision will likely cost them quite a bit. The 26-year-old DT totaled 60 regular season QB pressures in 2024, ranking third at the position. The interior difference-maker would presumably generate considerable interest from DL-needy teams if he is allowed to hit the open market.