Projected price tag for Cowboys breakout free agent revealed

NFL teams are gearing up to open their checkbooks for a Dallas Cowboys breakout star.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is tackled by Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In a season plagued by injuries for the Dallas Cowboys, the phrase "next man up" became a frequent mantra. When the roster was hit hard, underrated players inevitably stepped into the spotlight—and Osa Odighizuwa was a prime example.

As injuries mounted, he emerged as one of the most feared defenders on the team, proving to be a force on the field throughout the course of last season.

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Odighizuwa couldn’t have picked a better time to break out, doing so in his contract year. With a relatively weak defensive tackle class in free agency, teams are primed to open their checkbooks for one of the few standout stars available at the position.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa puts pressure on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Marcus Mosher for the 33rd Team predicted "This Year's Mega Contacts" and Osa Odighizuwa cracked the list

Odighizuwa is projected to earn a whopping three-year, $63 million contract.

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"Look for Odighizuwa to earn a contract worth at least $20 million per season. Given the lack of depth at defensive tackle in free agency, it wouldn't be a surprise if he earned significantly more," Mosher wrote.

"We saw Christian Wilkins sign a deal worth upwards of $27 million last year, and Odighizuwa is younger and far more durable."

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa celebrates after a sack against the New York Giants. | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The price tag for Odighizuwa isn’t all that surprising—Dallas Cowboys fans know just how crucial it is to have strong defensive tackles. Despite Osa's emergence, the Cowboys still had one of the weakest defensive tackle groups in the NFL.

Cowboys Nation should brace for the possibility of losing Odighizuwa, as several teams with more cap space and greater desperation are ready to outbid Dallas for his services.

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