Cowboys reasons to be positive for 2025: Osa Odighizuwa

Osa Odighizuwa is a huge bright spot for Dallas

We continue the ‘Reasons To Be Positive’ series, where we give fans some inspiration and optimism ahead of the 2025 season. This installment looks at Osa Odighizuwa.

Osa Odighizuwa

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

2024 Season stats:
Games- 17
Snaps- 859
Total Tackles- 47
Tackle For Loss- 5
Pressures- 60
Sacks- 5
Forced Fumbles- 1
Pass Breakups- 1

2025 Projected stats:
Total Tackles- 55
Tackle For Loss- 8
Pressures- 69
Sacks- 5

Osa Odighizuwa was rewarded recently with a contract extension from Jerry Jones and the front office. Thanks to his consistent on-field performance, and leadership, Odighizuwa has slowly become a pivotal figure on the team’s defense and should be a massive reason for Cowboys fans to feel positive going into the 2025 season.

In 2024, Odighizuwa delivered his most impactful performance to date, and it didn’t go unnoticed. He achieved career highs with five sacks, 47 total tackles, and 23 quarterback hits, showcasing his disruptive presence on the defensive line. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and halt running plays was instrumental in the Cowboys’ defensive strategies and only seemed to get better as the season wore on.

Odighizuwa’s partnership with fellow defensive stalwart Micah Parsons forms a formidable duo on the Cowboys’ front line. Their combined and consistent pressure disrupts offensive schemes and forces opposing quarterbacks into precarious situations, laying the foundation for a dominant defensive front. This synergy is expected to be a linchpin in the team’s strategy moving forward.

Odighizuwa really laid it on in 2024. His 33 pressures were third-most among defensive tackles, helping Dallas’ total pressure count to reach 180, second-most in the league. His level of elite production last season outdid division rival Jalen Carter, who most agree is one of the best inside defensive lineman in the league. Thanks to this level of efficiency, the Cowboys secured Odighizuwa with a four-year, $80 million contract extension, including $52 million guaranteed. This move not only rewards his past contributions but also solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the defense for the foreseeable future.

Odighizuwa has also emerged as a leader within the Cowboys’ locker room, further enhancing his importance to the team. His work ethic and commitment, which has been prevalent from the start, set a standard for younger players, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. As the team navigates transitions and integrates new talent, his leadership will be crucial in maintaining cohesion and focus.

Outlook for 2025
With Odighizuwa’s continued development, leadership, and the stability provided by his contract extension, Cowboys fans have ample reason for optimism here. His presence fortifies the defensive line, and his influence resonates throughout the team. As the 2025 season approaches, Odighizuwa’s role will be pivotal in the Cowboys’ pursuit of victory. For a team that has historically undervalued the 3-tech position, Odighizuwa becomes an extremely valuable commodity going forward.