Cowboys Shuffle Defensive Line, Trade Odighizuwa to 49ers, Thomas to Titans
The Dallas Cowboys are reshaping their defensive front, moving on from defensive tackles Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas in separate trades announced Wednesday. Odighizuwa heads to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick (No. 92 overall), while Thomas is bound for the Tennessee Titans in a seventh-round pick swap.
A Revamped Defensive Tackle Room
These moves follow the Cowboys’ acquisitions of Pro Bowl defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, signaling a significant overhaul of the defensive tackle position. The team also recently signed Otito Ogbonnia and second-year player Jay Toia to bolster depth, and waived Perrion Winfrey.
Odighizuwa’s Journey to San Francisco
Odighizuwa, originally a third-round pick by Dallas in 2021 out of UCLA, steadily improved his performance throughout his time with the Cowboys. Despite adjusting to a latest scheme under Mike Zimmer in 2025, he achieved career highs in sacks (4.5), tackles (47), and quarterback hits (23). This production led to a four-year, $80 million contract extension in March 2025.
His 2025 season saw a slight dip in production as he adapted to Matt Eberflus’ system, particularly after the arrival of Clark and Williams. He now seeks a fresh start with the 49ers.
Thomas Finds Familiarity in Tennessee
Thomas joined the Cowboys on a two-year deal last year and proved to be a valuable rotational player despite battling injury during the 2025 season. He now reunites with Robert Saleh in Nashville, along with former Cowboys’ defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who serves as defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach for the Titans.
Financial Implications and Draft Capital
The Cowboys gain a third-round pick, which they did not previously possess, and realize $7.25 million in cap savings. San Francisco will be responsible for $16 million of Odighizuwa’s salary, while Dallas saves $4.75 million from Odighizuwa’s trade and an additional $2.5 million from moving on from Thomas.
The Evolving NFL Trade Landscape
The Cowboys’ recent trades highlight a growing trend in the NFL: proactive roster management and the willingness to trade players even after significant investments. Teams are increasingly focused on maximizing cap space and acquiring talent that fits specific scheme needs, even if it means moving on from players who were recently extended.
The Rise of Mid-Season Acquisitions
The addition of Quinnen Williams mid-season demonstrates the increasing importance of the NFL trade deadline. Teams are more willing to make significant moves during the season to address weaknesses or capitalize on opportunities. This contrasts with the historical tendency to wait until the offseason to make major changes.
Defensive Tackle Value in a Pass-Rushing League
The Cowboys’ focus on bolstering their defensive tackle position underscores the evolving importance of interior pass rush in the modern NFL. While edge rushers still command significant attention, teams are recognizing the need to disrupt plays from the inside to pressure quarterbacks and create opportunities for their pass rushers.
FAQ
Q: What did the 49ers give up for Osa Odighizuwa?
A: The 49ers traded their third-round pick (No. 92 overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Q: What is the significance of the Cowboys acquiring a third-round pick?
A: The Cowboys did not have a third-round pick in the 2026 draft prior to this trade, adding to their draft capital.
Q: Why did the Cowboys trade Odighizuwa after giving him a large contract extension?
A: The Cowboys acquired Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, creating a surplus at the defensive tackle position.
Q: Where is Solomon Thomas going?
A: Solomon Thomas is heading to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
Did you know? The 49ers finished last in the NFL in sacks (20) and 31st in pressures in 2025, highlighting their need for pass-rushing help.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on how the 49ers utilize Odighizuwa in their defensive scheme. His ability to generate interior pressure could be a key factor in their success.
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