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Cowboys hot topic: Osa Odighizuwa's good play could price him out of Dallas

Published

1 month ago

December 21, 2024

Cowboys hot topic: Osa Odighizuwa's good play could price him out of Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys are trying to close the 2024 season on a positive note and have successfully done so at the moment with three wins in their last four games. Although they won’t make the postseason, it is good to see them showing heart and resolve with all the injuries and misfortune they’ve had. However, once these season ends in January, the page will turn to offseason activities, which includes free agency.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has already mentioned that the team will have a tight offseason when it comes to spending. While that’s not surprising in the slightest with how things go in Dallas, it also puts the future of some of the top guys on the roster in question. One in particular, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, is a big one to monitor.

Back during the summer, Odighizuwa made it clear what he wanted to do was sign an extension with Dallas while having his best NFL season to date. The former third-round pick has certainly done the best season-to-date thing.

So far this season, Odighizuwa has already tied a career-high with four sacks and set a career mark with 22 quarterback hits (nine more than any other season). He’s also equaled his best year with 31 hurries and has set a new career-high in pressures with 51. His 79.0 pass-rush grade ranks ninth for all defensive lineman in 2024 per Pro Football Focus.

This is great for Odighizuwa because he has certainly upped his value. With what he’s done this season, and the steady progression in his play, Odighizuwa is possibly looking at commanding a deal around $5 to $7 million annually. If he finishes strong in the last three games, he could be looking at double-digit numbers per year. As good as it is for him, it may be the opposite for Dallas.

The Cowboys do like to keep the players that they draft and develop into star or contributing players. Unfortunately, especially when it comes to Stephen Jones specifically, it always comes back to the salary cap, or at least it’s used a reason not to pay guys big dollars. The Cowboys put themselves in these positions by waiting to pay players, much like they did with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Those deals could have and should have been done earlier to put the Cowboys in a better position as far as the cap. There are plenty of ways to manipulate the cap, but Dallas tends to stand firm on being frugal.

If Odighizuwa is to hit the market, teams will come calling. Although he’s a bit undersized at 280 pounds, Odighizuwa uses his wrestling background to get tremendous leverage and drive much bigger offensive linemen into the backfield. He’s solid against the run, and he helps keep linebackers clean, and teams that see themselves as contenders will be willing to pay him for those services and pay him well.

It would behoove the Cowboys to value defensive tackles as a high priority for once during the offseason and bring Odighizuwa back. However, with the way Dallas handles contracts, don’t be surprised if the 2024 campaign is his last with the Cowboys.

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Nick Saban endorses Deion Sanders for Dallas Cowboys head coaching vacancy

Published

4 minutes ago

January 21, 2025

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Nick Saban endorses Deion Sanders for Dallas Cowboys head coaching vacancy

The Dallas Cowboys’ search for their 10th head coach in franchise history may be coming to a conclusion in the coming days.

Thus far, Dallas has interviewed four candidates to replace Mike McCarthy, with Kellen Moore, Brian Schottenheimer, Robert Saleh, and Leslie Frazier each completing their meetings with the team over the last few days.

MORE: Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer momentum is building & fans aren’t happy

However, there is one notable omission from that list – Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. And if you ask legendary college football head coach Nick Saban, Sanders is the man for the job.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders watches his players warmup prior to the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. / Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

“Me and Deion… I want him to get that job,” Saban told The Pivot podcast in a recent appearance. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Deion Sanders. First, he’s a great person, and he’s done a great job of marketing the program to create a lot of national interest.

MORE: Coach Prime, Colorado at odds over ‘additional money’ amid NFL interest?

“He’s always been successful, whether it was at Jackson State, high school, or now in Colorado. His teams have always been well coached.”

Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes football

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the set of ESPN College GameDay. / Andrew Wevers-Imagn Images

To his credit, Saban does have a point.

In just two years with Colorado, Sanders has turned the Buffaloes from one of the worst programs in the nation, into a fringe Big 12 title and College Football Playoff contender.

MORE: Ridiculous Cowboys NFL Draft trade floated amid Deion Sanders buzz

Before that, he also led Jackson State to a 27-6 record in three seasons, winning two SWAC conference titles in that time. He also was a two-time SWAC Coach of the Year and took home the SI Sportsman of the Year Award in 2023.

Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders on the field against the North Carolina Central Eagles. / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Of course, the NFL is a differnet animal than the college game whether it is as a player or a coach. Saban knows that as well as anyone.

That said, if someone with Saban’s credentials believes Sanders is ready for the NFL stage, particularly one as big as the Cowboys, we might want to listen.

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Cowboys officially interview assistant coach leaving fans unimpressed

Published

8 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Press Room

Cowboys officially interview assistant coach leaving fans unimpressed

The Dallas Cowboys head coaching search is heating up, but Cowboys Nation is giving a lukewarm response to the moves.

Dallas’ search for a new head coach started with a bang when the team was linked to Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes rockstar coach Deion Sanders, but it has since returned candidates that aren’t moving the needle.

In recent days, the Cowboys have interviewed former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is now leading the Philadelphia Eagles offense, and Leslie Frazier, along with a solid choice in Robert Saleh.

MORE: Cowboys, Jerry Jones have ‘love & respect’ for darkhorse HC candidate

And the latest interviewee is leaving fans even more unimpressed.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Cowboys are set to interview offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Dak Prescott, Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer watch a play in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Rapoport said, “Well-respected in the building, Schottenheimer has been an OC for more than a decade. Intriguing option to take the next step.”

MORE: Jerry Jones’ plan for next Dallas Cowboys head coach becoming clearer

A Schottenheimer hire would be incredibly underwhelming for Dallas and Cowboys Nation, but he brings something that Jerry Jones values: familiarity.

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott talks with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Jerry Jones could also influence Schottenheimer to have Jason Witten added to the staff as a head coach-in-waiting, which was reportedly his plan with Mike McCarthy before contract negotiations stalled.

So, buckle up Cowboys fans, cause the team could be heading towards more of the same.

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Preview: January 21 at Dallas | Carolina Hurricanes

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Press Room

Preview: January 21 at Dallas | Carolina Hurricanes

DALLAS – After an overtime victory in Chicago last night, the Carolina Hurricanes seek to pick up a third win in a row as they visit the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

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When: Tuesday, January 21

Puck Drop: 8:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN+, Hulu

Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App

Odds at Time of Publishing, via Fanatics Sportsbook: Canes +105

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Canes Record: 28-16-3 (59 Points, 2nd – Metropolitan Division)

Canes Last Game: 4-3 Win (OT) over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, Jan. 20

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Stars Record: 29-16-1 (59 Points, 3rd – Central Division)

Stars Last Game: 4-1 Win over the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, Jan. 19