The Dallas Cowboys are considering placing a franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if a long-term deal isn't reached by the March 4 deadline. This tag would secure him a salary of $25.1 million for the 2025 season, based on last year's highest-paid defensive tackles. Odighizuwa recorded 4.5 sacks and 47 tackles last season, showcasing his durability as he has not missed a game in four seasons. The Cowboys last used the franchise tag on Tony Pollard in 2023, who has since left for the Titans. Alongside Odighizuwa, negotiations are ongoing with key players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons.

The Dallas Cowboys are poised to place a franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, pending a long-term contract agreement before the March 4 deadline. If tagged, Odighizuwa will receive a salary of $25.1 million for the 2025 season. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 47 tackles last season while maintaining a consistent presence in the lineup, having played all 67 games since being drafted in 2021.

With the franchise tag being utilized rarely by the Cowboys, last seen on Tony Pollard in 2023, the team is also in discussions with DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons for contract extensions. Lawrence is likely to depart for a more lucrative deal in free agency, while Parsons is securing his fifth-year option, indicating the complex dynamics of the Cowboys' roster management as they prepare for the upcoming season.

DeMarcus Lawrence, a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys, expresses his desire to remain with the team as free agency approaches. After an injury-plagued season limited him to just four games, the veteran defensive end reflected on his 11-year career with the Cowboys, where he made four Pro Bowl appearances. Despite his wish to stay in Dallas, Lawrence acknowledges that the final decision lies with the Cowboys' management. He indicated his readiness to explore other options if a deal isn't reached but emphasized his fondness for the city and its fans.

As the Cowboys look to rebound from a disappointing 7-10 season under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the organization is also in discussions about contract extensions for key players, including linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. With Lawrence's desire to contribute to the team’s resurgence, the coming weeks will be pivotal for his future in Dallas.

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 NFL offseason with a strategy that significantly diverged from expectations, highlighted by a limited free agency spending of just $20.47 million, the lowest in the league. Owner Jerry Jones and executive VP Stephen Jones acknowledged the necessity for reflection in their approach, indicating a shift towards being 'selectively aggressive' as they anticipate changes to improve the team’s depth—especially after a disappointing 7-10 season following three straight 12-win campaigns.

As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming free agency, they face critical decisions, particularly regarding their unrestricted free agents, including key figures like DeMarcus Lawrence and Osa Odighizuwa. The contract negotiations surrounding star players such as Micah Parsons, who is poised to negotiate a deal reflective of his elite status, are paramount. Additionally, the Cowboys will examine potential cap-saving moves, such as restructuring contracts for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, in a bid to enhance their roster heading into the 2025 season.

Brian Schottenheimer, newly appointed head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, is already facing the challenge of managing contract negotiations, specifically with star linebacker Micah Parsons. Schottenheimer recognizes Parsons' elite talent from their daily practice battles, describing him as a player who has 'barely scratched the surface' of his potential. With Parsons set to seek an extension, comparisons to previous contracts for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb highlight the importance of timely negotiations. Schottenheimer emphasized open lines of communication with the front office regarding these discussions, acknowledging the complexities of NFL salary cap dynamics.

The Cowboys are also looking to extend other key players, including defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, indicating a shift towards an aggressive free agency strategy. As the NFL salary cap rises to a record $279.2 million, the Cowboys are positioned to reward homegrown talent, which could place Parsons in the same financial league as top receivers like Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. Schottenheimer's alignment with executive Stephen Jones and owner Jerry Jones on extension plans suggests a cohesive approach as the team navigates this crucial offseason.