Cowboys Trade Osa Odighizuwa to 49ers for Third-Round Draft Pick

Emerson Raymont

Published: March 11, 2026 8:26 PM ET

In a strategic move to strengthen their defensive line, the San Francisco 49ers have traded a third-round draft pick to acquire defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys. This transaction occurred on March 11, 2026, and the 49ers hope Odighizuwa will bolster their pass rush.

Cowboys Trade Osa Odighizuwa to 49ers

Details of the Trade

The 49ers secured Odighizuwa in exchange for the No. 92 pick overall in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The 49ers acknowledged their desperate need for improvement in pass rushing, having ranked last in the NFL with only 20 sacks in the previous season.

Odighizuwa’s Performance History

In 2025, Odighizuwa recorded 3.5 sacks, leading all defensive tackles with 23 quarterback hits.
He ranked fifth in pass-rush win rate at 10% and twentieth in pressure rate at 5.7% among defensive tackles that season.
Over five NFL seasons, he has established himself as a formidable presence with 81 quarterback hits and 212 tackles.

Contract and Future Expectations

Odighizuwa recently signed a four-year contract worth $80 million with the Cowboys, which included $39 million in guaranteed money. Now with the 49ers, he will continue under this agreement, which extends through 2028, featuring fully guaranteed base salaries of $16.25 million in 2026 and $20 million in subsequent years.

49ers’ Defensive Line Goals

San Francisco’s focus on enhancing its defensive capabilities has been highlighted over the offseason. Previously ranked 29th in pass rush win rate and 31st in pressures, the 49ers have made it clear that acquiring impactful defenders is a top priority. Following their lackluster performance in 2025, where defensive tackles contributed a mere 4.5 sacks, Odighizuwa is expected to play a prominent role alongside fellow defenders Alfred Collins and C.J. West.

Dallas Cowboys’ Cap Management

The Cowboys’ decision to trade Odighizuwa indicates a shift in their approach to roster management. With the impending arrival of additional defensive assets and the need to maintain salary cap flexibility, they opted to move forward without him. This trade further adds to the Cowboys’ three selections in the top 100 of the upcoming draft, enhancing their position for future strategic acquisitions.

As both teams prepare for the upcoming season, the implications of this trade will be closely observed. Odighizuwa’s fit within the 49ers’ defensive scheme will be pivotal, while the Cowboys adjust their roster and focus on player development.