Osa Odighizuwa Embraces New Chapter with 49ers After Trade from Cowboys

Osa Odighizuwa is embarking on a fresh journey as he bids farewell to Dallas. The San Francisco 49ers secured the defensive lineman from the Cowboys on March 11, trading a third-round pick in 2026 to bolster their defensive lineup. This transition marks a quick end to his tenure with Dallas, a change that Odighizuwa admits was challenging. However, he is focused on the future. "There's definitely a lot of love [with the Cowboys] that I still have," he reflected, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "So it's definitely one of those that hurt. It's the business, something I'd never experienced before, but it kind of is what it is. Gotta always say this: bury the dead, feed the living."

At 32 years old, Odighizuwa is stepping into a crucial role with the 49ers, where he is anticipated to play as a starting defensive tackle alongside Alfred Collins. Over his five seasons with Dallas, he participated in 84 games, starting 76 of them, and amassed impressive stats, including 216 tackles, 81 quarterback hits, and 17 sacks, along with two forced fumbles. Behind him, C.J. West and rookie Gracen Halton from the 2026 draft are likely to provide backup.

The 49ers are aiming to reinforce their defensive front, with Odighizuwa's proven ability to disrupt plays being a significant asset. His history of generating quarterback pressure, evident in his 81 career hits, underscores his potential to make an impact even when sacks are elusive. Although his departure from Dallas was not under ideal circumstances, Odighizuwa is ready to embrace his new role and contribute to his new team.