The Cowboys haven’t used the franchise tag since 2023 with Tony Pollard.
The Dallas Cowboys and the franchise tag used to be synonymous. From 2018 to 2023, the team used the tag every year. Last season they did not feel any free agents were worth the guaranteed money. There are questions about whether using the franchise tag is a sound financial practice for NFL teams, but it can ensure a player does not sign with another team and extend contract negotiations.
ESPN says Dallas hopes to sign free agent Osa Odighizuwa but could use the franchise tag if they cannot reach an agreement by Tuesday at 4:00 PM ET, the deadline for a team to use the franchise tag on a player.
The Cowboys have done enough work on an Osa Odighizuwa extension that I wouldn’t be surprised to see them use the franchise tag on him if a deal isn’t completed by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline — just to give them more time to complete that deal. They’re also hopeful of bringing back free agent cornerback Jourdan Lewis, and they haven’t totally ruled out a DeMarcus Lawrence return. However, regardless of how that shakes out, Dallas will be looking to get younger up front on defense.
The good news is that the deal sounds like it is at the goal line regarding re-signing Odighizuwa as a central part of the Brian Schottenheimer era in Dallas. The bad news is that if the team cannot find common ground with Odighizuwa and his representation, they might be unable to retain their other key free agents if the money is not figured out.
David Canter, the agent representing DeMarcus Lawrence, Rico Dowdle, Jourdan Lewis, and Chauncy Golston, met with the Cowboys on Friday at the NFL Combine. No contract offers were reportedly extended to any players, which could signal they are still trying to hammer out the details of Odighizuwa’s contract.
Matt Eberflus comes from the Rod Marinelli tree of defensive philosophy, where the 3-technique is a key part of his defense. Odighizuwa, just 27 years old when the season kicks off, is coming off his best season, finishing with 4.5 sacks and 23 quarterback hits.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN also noted that “Odighizuwa and Philadelphia’s Milton Williams are considered the two top interior defensive linemen” in free agency. Having an elite pass-rushing defensive tackle has become critical to the NFL’s ecosystem on defense. If the Cowboys believe Odighizuwa is a key to making their defense work, then no matter if he’s on the tag or they work out a new deal, it will be worth it.
