Cowboys Trade Odighizuwa And Thomas While 49ers Strengthen Defensive Line Depth

The Dallas Cowboys are making bold moves early in the offseason, shipping two defensive linemen to bolster roster flexibility and cap space. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick (No. 92 overall), while defensive lineman Solomon Thomas was sent to the Tennessee Titans in a swap of 2026 seventh-round picks. Both trades have been officially announced by the Cowboys.

Odighizuwa, 27, was the bigger name in the moves, having played in 84 games (76 starts) for Dallas and recording 216 tackles with 17 sacks. He signed a four-year, $80 million extension last March, taking less than he could have earned elsewhere, but Dallas’ defensive overhaul made him expendable. The Cowboys had already traded Micah Parsons, acquired defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, and added Otito Ogbonnia in free agency. With Clark and Williams poised for extensions, the defensive tackle room became overcrowded, leading to Odighizuwa’s departure.

Dallas Clears Cap Space And Strengthens Roster While 49ers Bolster Interior Pass Rush Depth

Solomon Thomas, 30, reunites with former coach Robert Saleh in Tennessee. Thomas began his career under Saleh in San Francisco in 2017 and later played for him with the Jets. The trade allows Dallas to take on $750,000 in dead cap while clearing $2.47 million in salary, while Odighizuwa’s move frees roughly $16 million in cap space.

For the 49ers, acquiring Odighizuwa strengthens an interior pass rush that struggled last season, finishing dead last in sacks with only 20. Odighizuwa’s 81 quarterback hits over five seasons demonstrate his disruptive potential. Combined with the expected returns of Nick Bosa and 2025 first-rounder Mykel Williams from injuries, plus new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ system, San Francisco will have a deep pool of playmakers along the defensive line.

Dallas’ early offseason moves reflect a strategy of flexibility, depth, and roster management, while the 49ers gain a prime pass rusher to bolster their defensive front. With multiple 2026 draft picks, including four fourth-rounders, San Francisco also has the flexibility to maneuver further in the draft. These transactions signal both teams’ intentions to retool and position themselves for success in the coming season.