Here are the top 5 Osa Odighizuwa free agent fits since it’s more than likely he’ll be joining a new team this offseason. According to several sources, the Dallas Cowboys are making it a priority to re-sign the defensive lineman to a new contract, however, that might not be possible considering they need to extend star pass rusher Micah Parsons. After extending CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, America’s team doesn’t have the financial freedom again to retain most of their key free agents hitting the market. Originally selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former UCLA product came into the league fighting for a starting position facing competition against Trysten Hill and Chauncey Gholston.
Gholston is one of the free agents who will likely leave since the Cowboys have been reluctant to keep most of their key pass rushers in the trenches. After losing Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong, the Cowboys’ chances of bringing back Odighizuwa are low especially when the organization is not in the best position to win a championship anytime soon. Odighizuwa has not missed a single game for the past four seasons since recording just 13.5 sacks in those years.
However, he should have more than a heavy market for this free agency next month, and with the right deal, he could be an effective disruptor for any of these five teams.
Top 5 Osa Odighizuwa Free Agent Fits
Carolina Panthers
As much as most of the attention was on quarterback Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers had one of the worst defenses this past 2024 campaign. Someone needed to step up for Derrick Brown after his season-ending injury but nobody did that even though they had a healthy veteran Jadeveon Clowney available. Odighizuwa might not make every play but his presence could be felt when if he lands with the Panthers to open up the gaps.
Los Angeles Chargers
Nobody in the entire league loves playing a physical style old school defense like head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa might not return next season which means the defensive front should be one of their priorities to address this offseason. Poona Ford had one of the most underrated seasons so while they should extend him to the next contract, they should look for another ferocious defensive man to get after the quarterback. Since Odighizuwa is still young, he has plenty of years to come to achieve what Harbaugh is looking for.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ defense didn’t look the same this past season even though the roster had some life at the very end. While Odafe Oweh and Roquan Smith held up their end of the bargain, the same cannot be said about defenders inside the line in the trenches in names like Travis Jones and Broderick Washington. Odighizuwa is a capable upgrade that could give Baltimore efficient balance back to potential greatness.
New Orleans Saints
While Cameron Jordan will likely be cut this upcoming offseason and Chase Young will go to another team, the Saints will have to get creative about their budget. General Manager Mickey Loomis must find every way to restore the defensive trenches with financial liberty so Young and Jordan will probably be in new uniforms. Odighizuwa might look for a bigger contract but he could settle for the right deal in New Orleans if he gets a guaranteed full-time starting role.
Washington Commanders
There have been several rumors that head coach Dan Quinn could poach the Cowboys’ free agency again this offseason by reuniting with more potential former Dallas stars. After signing Tyler Biadasz, Fowler and Armstrong, the Commanders will likely do what they can to reunite Odighizuwa with Quinn. Washington is getting better and it makes sense for both sides.
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