The Dallas Cowboys are making some strategic moves, trading away two of their defensive tackles, Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, in exchange for draft picks and cap savings. These trades come as the team looks to reshape its defensive tackle position, having recently acquired Pro Bowlers Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, and with the addition of Otito Ogbonnia and Jay Toia providing depth. The Cowboys are also parting ways with Perrion Winfrey.
Osa Odighizuwa, a former third-round pick in 2021, has been a steady contributor, increasing his production and game-disrupting abilities each season. Despite a slight dip in 2025, he was still a key player, earning a four-year, $80 million contract extension in March 2025. Odighizuwa's move to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is a strategic move, allowing him to start fresh in a new system.
Solomon Thomas, who joined the team last year on a two-year deal, battled injuries in 2025 but proved his worth as a rotational talent. His reunion with former Cowboys' defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton in Nashville is an interesting development, as Whitecotton now serves as the defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach for the Titans. Thomas' trade to the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round pick in April is a move that provides the Cowboys with cap savings and a new opportunity for Thomas.
These trades demonstrate the Cowboys' willingness to adapt and improve their roster, shedding salary and acquiring draft capital. The team is clearly focused on building a strong defensive line, and these moves are a part of that strategy. The future of the Cowboys' defense is an intriguing prospect, with the potential for significant improvements and a fresh start for both Odighizuwa and Thomas.
