Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle may not be a household name, but the former third-round pick is poised to earn a substantial contract in free agency.
The UCLA product wrapped up the 2024 season with 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, 23 quarterback hits, and a 68.1 PFF grade—ranking 31st out of 118 eligible defensive tackles. While he’s not on the same level as Micah Parsons, Odighizuwa is a reliable, above-average starter that many teams would covet.
Now set to hit the open market, ESPN’s Matt Bowen projects Him to land with the Los Angeles Chargers. Currently ranked as the 11th-best free agent on Bowen’s list, he is expected to move into the top 10 once the Cincinnati Bengals apply the franchise tag to wide receiver Tee Higgins.
While the Chargers are a logical fit, Odighizuwa could also draw interest from teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Washington Commanders.
ESPN: Chargers Could Steal Osa Odighizuwa From Dallas Cowboys
Head coach Jim Harbaugh is focused on building a tough, physical team that dominates in the trenches. In 2024, he achieved that vision by getting career-best performances from defensive tackles Poona Ford and Teair Tart, both of whom finished with top-12 PFF grades at their position.
However, with both players set to hit free agency, their sustained success is uncertain—especially considering Tart struggled to even make the Miami Dolphins roster before joining the Chargers.
While it’s possible Harbaugh’s coaching unlocked something in them, expecting a repeat performance carries some risk. A more reliable option is Osa Odighizuwa, who has delivered steady production over multiple seasons.
Though he will come at a higher price than either Ford or Tart, the Chargers have ample cap space to reinforce their defensive line while still addressing other roster needs.
Other Fits
Chris Jones remains one of the NFL’s premier defensive tackles, but the Kansas City Chiefs must start preparing for the future. Entering his age-31 season, the three-time All-Pro is closer to the latter stages of his career, making it essential for Kansas City to find another high-caliber lineman to share the workload.
While Osa Odighizuwa isn’t on Jones’ level, he would form a dominant tandem in the short term while providing long-term stability at the position.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders reached the NFC Championship Game behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and an improved coaching staff. Now, they must build a roster capable of taking the next step.
Washington’s defensive tackles struggled in 2024, as longtime anchor Jonathan Allen showed signs of decline, and second-round rookie Jer’Zhan Newton failed to make a significant impact.
While Newton could improve in his second season, adding Odighizuwa would immediately raise the floor at the position. Given his past connection with head coach Dan Quinn from their time together in Dallas, a reunion could make perfect sense.
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