The Washington Commanders and Osa Odighizuwa have been strongly linked heading into free agency. His current employers are looking to end this speculation before it becomes anything more concrete.
Odighizuwa and Dan Quinn know each other well from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Insiders expected Washington to make a bold move for the defensive tackle if he tests the market.
The Cowboys don't want that to happen. Odighizuwa is seen as an important piece for the future and is being treated as such. Stephen Jones, co-owner and chief operating officer, revealed to David Moore from the Dallas Morning News that negotiations with the former UCLA standout have begun. And he made his feelings about the player abundantly clear.
"We have had negotiations with Osa [Odighizuwa]. I just think Osa is a really good football player. He’s an important piece."Stephen Jones
Whether the Commanders have an interest in Odighizuwa hasn't been disclosed. Adam Peters runs the football operation professionally with almost no leaks emanating from the building. This fills a need for Washington, especially considering their desperate desire to generate more pressure from the interior.
This became more obvious after Jonathan Allen had his trade request granted. Something that leaves a gaping hole that needs to be filled effectively.
Commanders could target Osa Odighizuwa if Cowboys cannot reach an agreement
Much will depend on the money involved. The Cowboys are up against it from a salary-cap standpoint this offseason. Restructuring quarterback Dak Prescott's contract kicks the can down the road, but Dallas must also prioritize edge rusher Micah Parsons' market-resetting deal above all else.
Just how much that leaves for others is debatable. Odighizuwa is expected to generate significant interest in the free-agent market. He's projected to get around $20 million per year on his next deal. That's not something the Cowboys can readily afford, but there are ways to manipulate the cap and backload any contract.
The Commanders should monitor developments closely if Odighizuwa is a player they want to sign. They have the money to meet his possible demands and are riding on the crest of a wave following their run to the NFC Championship game. Having coaching familiarity to smooth the transition only sweetens the pot.
Dallas knows that Odighizuwa could join the Commanders if they don't work something out. Quinn took several players and coaches with him to Washington last offseason. He won't hesitate to recommend others if he thinks it can help this team get over the hump.
It'll be interesting to see how things play out. Odighizuwa's representatives are aware of the money he'll get on the open market. That strengthens their position at the negotiating table, so the Cowboys have a real fight on their hands with time of the essence.
The Commanders will be ready and waiting to make an offer if they see fit. Odighizuwa won't be short of those when the free-agent frenzy begins, but Peters will have contingency plans in place if Dallas ties him down long-term.
They're trying. If the Cowboys can reach a compromise with Odighizuwa, it represents a significant achievement in the circumstances. If not, the Commanders could make their move when the legal tampering window opens.
Watch this space…