The Dallas Cowboys made another move to their defensive line after missing out on Maxx Crosby, this time trading away a player who signed a contract with the team in good faith just one year ago
12:10 ET, 12 Mar 2026Updated 12:10 ET, 12 Mar 2026
Jerry Jones
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Jerry Jones has agreed to trade away a player he made a big commitment just one year ago
Osa Odighizuwa turned down more money from the Washington Commanders to sign a four-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys just one year ago. He did so under the impression he'd be with the team for the next few years while becoming defensive captain and a beloved figure in the locker room.
And while he wanted to stay with the team because of the benefits on the field, Dallas' no state income tax meant that he'd be getting a much better deal than the numbers suggested. He signed a four-year, $80 million deal, while building a house in the area.
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But just after one year into his contract, being captain of the team and settling in his new home, owner and general manager Jerry Jones has traded him to the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately for Odighizuwa, not only will he have to leave his home, he will also now make considerably less money on his contract. California's state income tax is the highest in the United States — something Sam Darnold harshly learned after winning the Super Bowl.
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To make matters worse, Odighizuwa being traded means he has no guarantees in the final two years of his contract.
This means he could be cut by the 49ers at the end of the season, unless he plays his way into a new deal — something he may be already negotiating after being dealt.
Osa Odighizuwa
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Osa Odighizuwa has been traded to the San Francisco 49ers
The Cowboys agreed to send Odighizuwa for a third-round pick in this year's draft class, with Dallas not having a second or third round pick after giving it up for the Quinnen Williams trade.
Williams appears to be the reason Dallas has traded Odighizuwa, as the team has too many players at the position.
The Cowboys are likely to play only two defensive interior linemen regularly after bringing in Kenny Clark in the Micah Parsons trade, as well as Williams last year.
This, seemingly opens the door to a deal for Odighizuwa — despite only being extended by the team last year.
Osa Odighizuwa
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He will be a big part of the 49ers interior, and will hope to land a new contract
San Francisco will take on $16 million against the salary cap for the player, but none of his money is guaranteed after the 2026 season.
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It's a brutal blow for Odighizuwa, who had a big market in 2025 before agreeing a deal with the Cowboys. Insider Jane Slater reported that he turned down more money from the Commanders in order to stay with the team — with the tax benefits being a factor.
Still only 27, Odighizuwa could still sign another big contract while in his prime. He will be a key player in San Francisco's defense, which ranked 32nd in pass-rush win-rate in 2025.
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