An $80 million contract wasn't enough to keep Osa Odighizuwa in Dallas. A surprise trade sends the defensive tackle to another team, where he will face a new opponent: California's state income tax.

This comes as more of a surprise, given how much help the Cowboys needed on defense. In fact, Odighizuwa was in year one of the four-year contract extension he signed in 2025. 

In return, the Cowboys have received a third-round draft pick in this year's NFL Draft (No. 92 overall).

However, the star defensive tackle now faces financial ramifications after he moves to the Bay Area. Odighizuwa would now be paying state tax on the salary he earns, as per California tax rules. 

While he was with the Cowboys in Texas, Odighizuwa did not need to pay any state income tax. Texas does not charge state tax, and it's something Dallas often uses to their advantage at the negotiation table.

Another factor to show how cruel the NFL business can be sometimes. Last year, the Washington Commanders offered more money to Odighizuwa, but he chose to stick with the Cowboys even though they offered significantly less than the Commanders. 

As for the Cowboys, Osa might not have seen that much playing time, given the traffic jam at his position on the Cowboys.

At defensive tackle, the Cowboys already have Kenny Clark, who came in as part of the package for Micah Parsons. They also traded for Quinnen Williams a week before the start of the 2025 season. 

Odighizuwa is off to the Bay Area after spending five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. 

How does this move impact the Dallas Cowboys?

The Cowboys will surely miss his services on the field, but Odighizuwa will also be missed off the football field. 

Nick Harris of the Star-Telegram said, “From a culture standpoint, this is one of the biggest losses the team could have taken.” 

Yes, Odighizuwa took a pay cut of sorts to remain in Dallas, but he also built his house and set up his non-profit foundation in Dallas-Fort Worth.  

That same player is now shipped out to San Francisco. Throughout his career, Odighizuwa has played 84 games, 216 total tackles, of which 115 are solo. The defensive tackle has also recorded 17 sacks and forced two fumbles.

So what's your take on the Osa Odighizuwa situation? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi