If there was one big Dallas Cowboys takeaway from the NFL Combine it’s that the team is serious about re-signing Osa Odighizuwa.
It seemed that a deal could be reached by the end of the weekend, but Dallas reportedly plans to franchise tag Odighizuwa before Tuesday’s deadline if negotiations persist beyond that point.
That would bide the front office more time to hammer out an agreement and prevent Odighizuwa from talking to other teams when the legal tampering period opens next week. It’s a no-brainer.
Deals of this magnitude take time and Odighizuwa is expected to become one of the richest pass-rushing interior defenders in football when all is said and done.
In the meantime, the Cowboys must get their remaining free agency ducks in a row. It was reported that Rico Dowdle could become collateral damage of an Odighizuwa extension, but a reunion has not been ruled out.
The same cannot be said for another underrated impending free agent.
It’s looking increasingly likely that Chauncey Golston has played his last snap for the Cowboys
Chauncey Golston’s agent David Canter, who is also the agent for Rico Dowdle and Jourdan Lewis, oozed confidence last week when asked by 105.3 The Fan about the Cowboys’ ability to retain all of his clients.
As we’ve gotten closer to the start of free agency, though, it’s become clear that Golston will have a strong market assuming he isn’t re-signed by the legal tampering period.
Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News is hearing that Golston and fellow pass rusher Carl Lawson may “walk” in free agency. While the Lawson nugget is surprising given his projected cost, it’s long felt like Golston played himself out of Dallas this past season.
Golston really stepped up while the defense navigated injuries to Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs and DeMarvion Overshown.
Only five players on the defense logged more snaps than Golston’s 790, per PFF. He ranked second on the team with 5.5 sacks, third with 37 pressures and five passes defended, and tied Odighizuwa with 30 defensive stops, which was third-most.
Golston’s versatility should not be overlooked, either. Not only can he kick inside on third down in obvious passing situations, but he contributes on various special teams units. His 173 special teams snaps in 2024 were by far the most of any regular player on offense or defense.
The former third-round pick finally got the chance to play a prominent role and put together a breakout season. He deserves to be handsomely rewarded. It’s a huge bummer that might not be with Dallas, but it has been trending in this direction for a while.
