Osa Odighizuwa
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Osa Odighizuwa
The Los Angeles Chargers have gotten off to a somewhat rocky start to the NFL’s free agency period. While the team gave a boost to their offense by signing Tyler Biadasz to be their new center, they took some massive hits defensively. First, Odafe Oweh left to join the Washington Commanders on a four year, 100 million dollar deal. The, they lost rotational piece Otito Ogbonnia to Dallas. However, many pundits are saying that what goes around could come around.
According to several reports, Osa Odighizuwa could be available for trade as the Dallas Cowboys decide on options for his long term future. The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the NFL’s most active teams in terms of revamping their defensive front, so Odighizuwa could be seen as surplus to what they already have.
Chargers Could Pounce on Dallas Trade Opportunity
In that case, the Chargers could come swooping in to acquire him, potentially as a cheaper alternative to others on the open market. If so, their interior D-line would be one of the scariest in the entire NFL. Odighizuwa has been one of the NFL’s most reliable players since being drafted in 2023, only missing one game. He has totaled 17 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, and 81 QB hits across 84 games in his career.
For the Cowboys, this could be all about whether or not Odighizuwa fits their scheme. With a new defensive coordinator, they could be more reliant on players such as Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, who they have acquired in order to fill the hole Micah Parsons left behind. If Odighizuwa does not factor into those plans, he could be a perfect fit for the Chargers.
How Odighizuwa Fits the Chargers Defensive Scheme
In the Chargers’ defensive scheme, they rely on a 3-technique who can penetrate gaps and create negative plays for the opposing offense. Odighizuwa could provide that level of versatility for them and pair nicely with a player like Teair Tart or even Jamaree Caldwell, who are more traditional run stuffers.
The Chargers are also in a prime position to absorb the cap hit Odighizuwa would carry. With an estimaed 85 to 92 million dollars in cap space, the Chargers won’t have to worry about Odighizuwa truly denting their funds.
On the other hand, the Cowboys have to decide on what kind of compensation could be garnered through a trade. The Chargers may be competing with teams who could offer the Cowboys more for Odighizuwa’s services. Also, at only 280 pounds, there could be questions about how he would hold up against elite offensive lines, especially in the AFC West.
Still, Odighizuwa could be a tempting option for a team that has been relatively quiet to start free agency. While the Chargers may be waiting for the perfect player to fall into their laps, sometimes, it’s about the astute signings that can help push a team over the top. There are perhaps no more durable players or schematically perfect players that the Chargers could go after than Osa Odighizuwa…and maybe that could be good enough for them to take a chance on him.