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The Dallas Cowboys continued their aggressive defensive restructuring Tuesday, sending defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers in a move that appears driven by both financial strategy and schematic change.
The deal marks a notable turn for Dallas, which signed Odighizuwa to a four year, $80 million extension just one season ago. By moving the veteran interior lineman now, the Cowboys clear approximately $4.75 million in cap space ahead of the new league year, though the transaction still carries roughly $16 million in dead money. While the move may initially appear surprising given Odighizuwa’s production, the decision reflects the Cowboys’ broader defensive reset under new coordinator Christian Parker. Scheme Change Shapes Dallas’ DecisionOdighizuwa’s skill set has long been viewed as an ideal fit for a traditional four man defensive front. Dallas, however, is shifting toward a 3–4 scheme under Parker, altering the profile of players best suited for the interior defensive line. That transition, combined with the Cowboys’ mid season acquisitions of defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark during the 2025 season, made Odighizuwa increasingly expendable despite his consistent pressure numbers. In 2025, the former third round pick recorded 3.5 sacks and generated 52 quarterback pressures, serving as one of Dallas’ most reliable interior pass rushers. Cowboys Continue Defensive Front ResetThe Odighizuwa trade is just one piece of a larger defensive reshaping in Dallas. The Cowboys are also moving defensive tackle Solomon Thomas to the Tennessee Titans, signaling a clear commitment to rebuilding the interior defensive front. In return for Odighizuwa, Dallas receives a 2026 third round pick, No. 92 overall. The move gives the Cowboys additional draft capital as they look to build a younger and more cost controlled defense. Following the transaction, Dallas now holds eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including two first round picks. That flexibility could prove critical as the organization continues constructing its roster around newly acquired edge rusher Rashan Gary and other defensive additions. A Needed Boost for San FranciscoFor the 49ers, the acquisition represents an attempt to revive a pass rush that struggled throughout the 2025 campaign. San Francisco finished last in the NFL with just 20 sacks, prompting the organization to pursue additional interior pressure. Odighizuwa brings exactly that profile. Known more for his ability to disrupt quarterbacks than dominate against the run, he adds a pass rushing element to a defensive front searching for production. The move also creates a reunion for Odighizuwa, who will once again work with former Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, now part of the 49ers’ coaching staff. Bigger Picture for DallasWhile parting with a consistent interior rusher may sting in the short term, the Cowboys appear committed to a larger structural shift. The organization has prioritized financial flexibility and scheme alignment as it transitions to Parker’s defensive system. Moving Odighizuwa, even after a major contract extension, underscores Dallas’ willingness to reshape its roster quickly in pursuit of that vision. With added draft capital and a reworked defensive front, the Cowboys are positioning themselves to build a younger unit tailored to their evolving defensive identity.
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The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 offseason with a clear objective. Address the issues that defined the 2025 season.
After a year where defensive inconsistencies became a major storyline, Dallas made significant roster decisions early in free agency. The moves reflect an organization focused on strengthening the defensive side of the ball while maintaining stability on offense. A More Aggressive Approach The Cowboys created financial flexibility before making any roster additions. Dallas restructured several key contracts including quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and offensive lineman Tyler Smith. Those moves cleared roughly 66 million dollars in salary cap space and positioned the team to be active in free agency. The restructuring signals a willingness from the organization to prioritize the current roster and address immediate needs. Defensive Emphasis One of the most notable themes of the Cowboys’ offseason has been the emphasis on rebuilding the defense. The headline move came through a trade with the Green Bay Packers for defensive end Rashan Gary. Dallas acquired the Pro Bowl pass rusher in exchange for a 2027 fourth round pick. Gary enters the season with 46.5 career sacks and provides immediate experience and production to a defensive front looking for additional pass rushing presence. The Cowboys also addressed the secondary. Dallas signed safety Jalen Thompson to a three year contract. Thompson previously played with the Arizona Cardinals and brings experience along with familiarity with members of the coaching staff. Safety PJ Locke was also added to provide depth and competition within the defensive backfield. Along the interior defensive line, Dallas signed nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia to a one year deal. Ogbonnia joins a group that includes Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark, creating additional depth on the interior. The team also retained defensive end Sam Williams on a one year contract to maintain continuity along the edge. Offensive Continuity While much of the offseason attention has centered on the defense, Dallas also made several moves to maintain offensive stability. The Cowboys agreed to terms with quarterback Sam Howell, adding depth behind Dak Prescott. At running back, Dallas retained Javonte Williams on a three year contract worth 24 million dollars. The team also placed the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens. The tag carries a one year value of 27.3 million dollars and keeps one of the team's key receivers under contract for the upcoming season. Roster Changes As new players arrived, the Cowboys also moved on from several members of the roster. Dallas released linebacker Logan Wilson and defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey as part of the offseason adjustments.The additions along the defensive line have also created a crowded defensive tackle room. With Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and Otito Ogbonnia now part of the rotation, Dallas has added both size and depth to the interior. Looking Ahead to the Draft Free agency may not be the final step in reshaping the Cowboys' roster. Dallas currently holds eight selections in the upcoming NFL Draft, including two first round picks at numbers 12 and 20.Those selections could allow the organization to continue strengthening the defense while adding young talent to the roster. The Offseason DirectionThrough the early stages of free agency, the Cowboys have shown a clear direction. The focus has centered on strengthening the defense while maintaining stability across key offensive positions. With veteran additions, contract restructures, and multiple early draft selections, Dallas has positioned itself to continue shaping the roster as the offseason moves forward. Amidst swirling speculation, the future of Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys remains uncertain. The decision to forego contract negotiations has cast a shadow over Prescott's tenure with the team, raising questions about his potential departure in 2025. With a staggering cap hit and the absence of an extension, the Cowboys find themselves constrained in bolstering their roster, hinting at a possible strategic shift.
As Prescott enters the final year of his contract, the landscape of his future seems wide open, with numerous NFL teams potentially vying for his services. The Cowboys, seemingly on the brink of a transitional phase, face the daunting prospect of rebuilding in the upcoming season. For Prescott, the 2024 campaign represents a pivotal moment to showcase his worth, particularly in the postseason. Despite his undeniable talent and impressive statistics, the pressure mounts for him to deliver tangible postseason success, especially considering the high expectations in Dallas. While Prescott's camp may eye a lucrative extension, Dallas opts for a wait-and-see approach, evaluating his performance in the forthcoming season. The evolving landscape of quarterback contracts, marked by escalating figures, underscores the complexity of negotiations between Prescott and the Cowboys. In this delicate dance of negotiations, both parties must navigate a path forward that balances financial considerations with long-term strategic planning. The prospect of a compromise looms large, with the potential for a middle-ground solution to secure Prescott's future in Dallas. As the season unfolds, the fate of Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys will unravel on the gridiron, where actions will speak louder than words, determining the course of their future together. When Ezekiel Elliott steps onto the hallowed turf of AT&T Stadium this week, it will be an emotional homecoming like no other. For years, he was the face of the Dallas Cowboys, a star running back who left an indelible mark on 'America's Team.' But this time around, he'll be clad in the colors of the New England Patriots, a sight that will undoubtedly tug at the heartstrings of fans on both sides.
The Story So Far: Ezekiel Elliott's journey in the NFL began in Dallas, where he quickly became a fan favorite with his infectious enthusiasm and game-changing plays. He was the engine of the Cowboys' offense, a running back whose iconic "Feed Me" celebration symbolized his hunger for success. Together with the star-studded Dallas lineup, he took fans on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with memorable touchdowns and unforgettable moments. Yet, in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, changes are inevitable. And so, Elliott finds himself on a new path, representing the New England Patriots. The circumstances that led to this change might be business as usual in the NFL, but the emotional toll of facing his former team in their own backyard is bound to be immense. Questions Abound: As Ezekiel Elliott readies himself for this emotional return, several questions hang in the air: How will the Cowboys' faithful, who once cheered his every touchdown, react to seeing Elliott in enemy colors? Cowboys fans have cheered Zeke's every move for years. Will they embrace his return with applause, or will there be mixed emotions in the stands? Will Ezekiel Elliott's familiarity with AT&T Stadium give him an advantage, or will the Cowboys' defense be ready to thwart his every move? Familiarity with the turf can be a double-edged sword. Will Elliott use it to his advantage, or will the Cowboys' defense use their knowledge to contain him? Can Elliott reignite his former star power and lead the Patriots to victory against his former team, or will the Cowboys' defense have the upper hand? This is the ultimate showdown: Can the former Cowboys hero become a Patriots legend, or will his old comrades stand in his way? Ezekiel Elliott's return to AT&T Stadium is not just a game; it's a story of loyalty, transition, and the indomitable spirit of professional athletes. This Sunday we will witness an extraordinary chapter unfold, where allegiances are tested, and football takes center stage in a tale of emotions and athleticism. In a clash that sends shivers of anticipation down the spines of football enthusiasts nationwide, the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots are set to go head-to-head this Sunday. As we prepare for this high-stakes showdown, let's dive into the intrigue, history, and anticipation that surround this marquee matchup.
The Showdown: When two of the NFL's most storied franchises lock horns, it's more than just a game; it's a gridiron spectacle that transcends sport. The Cowboys, America's Team, with their star-studded roster, face the Patriots, perennial championship contenders, led by the mastermind himself, Bill Belichick. The stage is set for an epic clash of football philosophies, where offensive prowess collides with defensive genius. The Cowboys' Offensive Firepower: Under the stewardship of Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys boast an offense that can light up the scoreboard like a Fourth of July fireworks display if a few red-zone issues are handled this game. Currently, the Cowboys have had the most opportunity league wide to score in the red-zone. However, the Cowboys have lacked precision in the red-zone, showcasing a 40 percent TD conversion rate. Prescott's precision passing, coupled with the Tony Pollards progressing explosiveness and the receiving prowess of CeeDee Lamb, makes for a potent offensive cocktail. Despite a few key offensive linemen possibly out again, the Cowboys have just enough ingredients and tricks of the trade to keep the chains moving and the end zone in sight. The Patriots' Defensive Mastery: On the flip side, the New England Patriots are renowned for their defensive wizardry, and Bill Belichick is the sorcerer-in-chief. With a knack for adapting to opponents and exploiting their weaknesses, the Patriots' defense is a masterclass in strategy. The New England Patriots' defense is evolving this season with a blend of experience and fresh talent. Veterans provide leadership at every level, while newcomers like Keion White, Marte Mapu, and Christian Gonzalez inject speed and energy. However, there's a crucial challenge this year. In the past, the Patriots' defense struggled against top 15 quarterbacks. The big question now: Have they improved their game plan to tackle these formidable foes? As they face the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott, all eyes will be on whether the Patriots' defense can rise to the occasion and show they've enhanced their ability to handle elite quarterbacks. The Battle Within the Battle: In addition to the team rivalry, keep an eye on the individual showdowns that will shape the game. It's Dak Prescott vs. the Patriots' secondary, Micah Parsons vs. Mac Jones, and, perhaps most intriguingly, the chess match between Belichick and Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Each subplot adds layers of complexity and excitement to this encounter. Final Thoughts: When the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots collide, it's more than just a football game; it's a cultural event. The world will be watching as two football giants face off, each with their own aspirations and legacies on the line. The question on everyone's lips: Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – this is a game you won't want to miss. Tune in on October 2, 2023 at 3:25 CST as the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots deliver a football spectacle that will have fans on the edge of their seats, reminiscing about the classics and creating new memories for generations to come. "THIS IS OUR YEAR!" Yes I know we Dallas Cowboys fans say that every year, but this year we really meant and so did our talent... or so we thought. This season seamed to be THE season that our beloved Dallas Cowboys would finally make it back to the Super Bowl, and to be honest we had a really good chance. Cowboys haters take off your "I hate Dallas" hat for a moment and put on your thinking cap, because if you really think about it Cowboys could have been in the Super Bowl this season. Here's what I mean. Our defense was IMMACULATE, our Offense was filled with elite WR's, we were stacked at RB, and oh how could we forget that after years of complaints the Cowboys got a new head coach, sounds like a winning season right? Cowboys had ALL of the pieces but couldn't quite put them together to complete the puzzle. So does that mean that some of the pieces didn't quite fit in to the picture, or that the pieces simply weren't placed where they were most valuable to complete the puzzle? Well according to a lot of Cowboys fans, and Cowboys GM Jerry Jones, the problem was a little of both. Fans seem to think that some players no longer fit into Cowboys Super Bowl Picture, and Jerry seems to think that something has to give and those "pieces" will be moved around until Cowboys get the right picture. I however think that we didn't always utilize our best players in the right moments this season. In my opinion Cowboys had so many weapons in all of the vital positions ( which is a good problem that we haven't had in a while) that we underplayed our hand in almost every game. Sure the Cowboys had a few blow out games but none of our players did( Yes. I know about a few players like Dak & Parsons records) but the season did their potential no true justice . There were games that Dak could have really showed how elite he was but the play calling just wasn't there, the talent of course is there because we've all seen it. Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb should have been our main targets on offense, had the plays been called as such but again it seems that the coaches may have been either too excited or overwhelmed with all of our offensive options and wound up underserving what should have been two of our biggest weapons this season. Cooper is THE route runner, we rarely saw that from him this season because most of his plays were off key or short passes in the end zone, he wasn't often given the chance at 1on1 plays where he'd most likely outmatch the defender. CeeDee is fast and evasive but again we weren't able to see that much this season because of the short 5-10 yard pass plays that were called, and some clear miscommunication. Zeke and Pollard were a great dynamic duo who could coexist in the field together, Zeke with his obvious power and ability to move with the ball, and Pollards Speed and ability to get outside and run the ball, but we only saw that power duo mostly at the beginning of the season and then suddenly things changed. Our defense that struggled tremendously last year from injuries and so on came into the season full throttle and even more so with the new edition Micah Parsons as well as a returning but Breakout star Cowboy Trevon Diggs. Now of course we have room for improvement in some positions but for the most part we truly had a Super Bowl team and this was "OUR YEAR" until... it wasn't. I'm hanging my Jersey up until next season but not too far back because I suspect after Jerry Jones cleans up shop that the DALLAS COWBOYS will be back with a Vengeance and I'll be back in My favorite Sunday gear.
On April 13th the Cowboys didn't cut Dez Bryant they unleashed the beast. Nothing awakens the beast inside of us like doubt, not self doubt, but the doubt others show us when they refuse or fail to see the best in us... all that we are truly worth, our value. To others from the outside looking in it may seem like just another part of the game, but to us true Cowboys and Dez fans the devastation was more like end all be all for us. The naysayers can talk among themselves all day about why cutting Dez was in their eyes a good idea, but in all actuality it wasn't. This man has remained loyal to the Cowboys throughout injury, contract negotiations, and the retirement of a QB who he had the best on field chemistry with. With that being said there is no way you can convince me that the Cowboys couldn't have worked out a deal with Dez. If you are a true Dez fan, you know that this man was the overactive heart that the team needed, the fans needed, the franchise needed. I have never come across a Cowboys fan that was not also a huge Dez Bryant fan, he was like the face of the Cowboys. Was he perfect? No, but who wants perfect on their team when you can have Dez Bryant out their on the field raw and uncut giving the team his all. You can say what you want about Dez all day but you can't say that he doesn't love the game and that he doesn't work his butt off to be where he is. People are so consumed with the negative rumors about Dez or say that he's "too emotional" about the game, but if you knew Dez, or you've been watching him over these past few seasons, you'd know and you'd see that he really isn't what the media has made him out to be. He's a great guy who we've seen over the years grow into a leader that any team should be proud to have. As for "too emotional" ? Aren't we taught to find our passion in life and give it our all? So if this is his passion, why is he not allowed to show his emotion when he has given this game his all. Hypocrites at their finest! Everyone in this world was made to be different, so I hate how athletes are expected to give their lives to a game but are supposed to have no emotion shown or opinions, but Dez defies that. Dez is not that athlete that's just going to be pushed around and told what to do. That's what makes him so unique! He's not afraid to go against the odds if he's going for what he believes is right, and not everyone can handle that (Cowboys obviously). But hey, he will be on to bigger and better things. Aside from Dez's passion for the game his talent is unspeakable. Whoever thinks that Dez is not an elite receiver anymore couldn't be more off, you can't just lose that type of talent over night or ever really it's something that's just in him, he's a beast of a player and his highlights and records prove it. Dez is out for revenge, records, and cowboys blood (not literally) and the Cowboys will have hell to pay if and when they face Dez Bryant on the field. I for one (cowboys fan or not) will be in his new teams jersey.With allllll of that being said I do believe that this sudden unfortunate move from the Cowboys will spark something in Dez that will only make him greater, something the NFL isn't ready for but his fans are... beast mode! #ThrowUpTheX #88Forever XOXO Candy Giants are in the hot seat as time begins to run out on them making their top Wide Receiver Odell Beckham a new deal. Rumors are circulating that Odell is holding out to receive a deal that would possibly make him the highest paid receiver in the NFL, a MEGA DEAL. The question is, is Odell worth this alleged MEGA DEAL that may be on the Horizon. Absolutely, I mean just look at his stats, and what he's already done at such a young age in this league, not to mention it was just last year that he was ranked #8 in the NFL's top 100 by his peers. He's so good he's not only broken others records but he's broken his own records as well, 49 receptions within a 6 game span. I don't know what more he has to prove. Wasn't it just last year that the Giants co -owner said they would pay Odell but now it's all questionable? No worries though because in this case one teams "trash" is another teams treasure and any team would jump in the bid to get this beast of a receiver. Yes Odell comes off as slightly over passionate about the game but that's what makes him so good, that's what pushes him to go out there and break records. Despite the minor set back of an injury this past season Odell has come into this league and proven himself worthy of higher pay and a spot on the roster, now whether that will be with the Giants or another team only time and money will tell. Either Money Talks or Odell walks.
XOXO- Candy Now for the real question everyone is anxiously waiting for the answer to... Who will be the first pick of the 2018 NFL draft? The answer is ... ME, just seeing if you were paying attention. I mean no one knows who the #1 pick will be until that time comes, but we can of course all speculate with our mock drafts and so on. Personally I think that the #1 pick in this draft will be none other than Josh Allen, AKA the saving grace for the Cleveland Browns, we all know they need it. The browns have managed to make some great trades during this off season, one in particular that included Jarvis Landry who could be a stand out on the field in Cleveland with the right Quarterback (ahem ... Josh Allen). Jarvis Landry is a phenomenal receiver on his own but he can't pass the ball to himself and the Browns are going to need a great QB to bring out the full potential Landry has at that position. With Josh's passing capability (5,012 yards in a span of 2 seasons) he is more than qualified to lead the browns from their damning past to a new season of hope. Besides, Lebron (basketball) needs help turning Cleveland into a true championship town. You heard it hear first (let's play pretend) the NUMBER ONE PICK OF THE 2018 NFL DRAFT TO THE CLEVELAND BROWN IS JOSH ALLENNNNN!!!!
With the 2018 NFL combine just passing us by and the Draft season quickly approaching it is almost safe for fans to dust off those jerseys and bring them out again. NOT SO FAST... before we do that fans, what Jerseys need to be traded, kept, or just out right thrown in the bin for goodwill. I mean lets be honest football season is approaching and with talk of trades and cuts among teams things are about to get UGLY... DEZ CAUGHT IT UGLY (that will be for another time though). Thats neither here nor their.
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AUTHORI am a woman who loves sports, talking, and writing so why not combine them all to make... CANDY'S LOCKER ROOM! Genius, I know. I watch and have played most sports, but the sports that I am really into talking about and watching are basketball and football. If you see a lot of post about the Dallas Cowboys it's not because Jerry Jones hacked my site ( shocking) but because that' s my favorite football team. Aside from my regular job I also co host a Sports radio show which allows me to catch up on more sports and controversial topics to bring here to my readers. However, not too controversial because I HATE that in this day and age we put people on this platform only to try and knock them off of it with slander. Back to sports though and me... two things I never get tired of talking about. If you have any questions or comments feel free to email me or leave a comment on one of my blog post. Archives
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