The Dallas Cowboys recently executed a significant restructuring of their defensive line, completing two trades that sent key players to new teams. These strategic decisions involved parting ways with Osa Odighizuwa, who is now headed to the San Francisco 49ers, and Solomon Thomas, who will be joining the Tennessee Titans. These moves reflect a clear intention by the Cowboys to reconfigure their roster, likely in anticipation of enhancing future performance and acquiring valuable draft assets.
On a recent Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys initiated a series of personnel changes within their defensive unit. One of the notable transactions saw defensive lineman Solomon Thomas being traded to the Tennessee Titans. This move is particularly interesting as it reunites Thomas with former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh, who recently took on the head coaching role for the Titans. Concurrently, the Cowboys also sent Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers, marking another significant departure from their defensive roster.
These trades were not merely player exchanges but also involved draft pick considerations. The Cowboys engaged in a seventh-round pick swap with the Titans as part of the deal for Solomon Thomas. Following this, they secured a valuable third-round draft pick from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Osa Odighizuwa. These pick adjustments indicate a deliberate strategy by Dallas to manage their future draft capital while reshaping their team's composition.
Osa Odighizuwa, at 27 years old, was a third-round selection by the Cowboys in 2021. Throughout his tenure with Dallas, he was a consistent presence, starting in 76 of his 84 appearances. His contributions included accumulating 216 tackles, with 34 resulting in a loss of yardage, 17.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles. In the 2025 season alone, Odighizuwa recorded 44 tackles and 3.5 sacks across 17 games, starting in 13 of them, showcasing his impact on the field.
Solomon Thomas, who was the third overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the 49ers, brings a wealth of experience to his new team. Over his career, he has played in 131 games, starting 36, and has tallied 239 tackles, 18.5 sacks, and 36 tackles for loss. In his most recent season with the Cowboys, Thomas participated in 16 games, starting two, and contributed with 10 tackles (three for loss), one pass defended, and two quarterback hits. His reunion with Robert Saleh, under whom he played for two and a half seasons with the Jets, is a significant aspect of this trade. Additionally, Thomas has previously worked with Aaron Whitecotton, now the Titans' defensive run coordinator and defensive line coach. In 2023, Thomas achieved a career-best five sacks along with 31 tackles during his time with the Jets.
Beyond these defensive line changes, the Tennessee Titans also made headlines by re-signing kicker Joey Slye to a one-year contract, as reported by NFL Network. Slye, who will turn 30 in April, demonstrated strong performance in 2025, successfully converting 80% of his field-goal attempts. His career accuracy stands at an impressive 81.4% over seven seasons, solidifying his role with the Titans for the upcoming season.
The Dallas Cowboys' recent trade actions, involving the departure of Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, signify a strategic realignment designed to refresh their defensive capabilities. These moves, coupled with draft pick acquisitions, highlight a forward-looking approach aimed at enhancing the team's competitive stance in the league.