Cowboys Trade Odighizuwa to 49ers, Thomas to Titans in Defensive Line Shuffle

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have been active reshaping their defensive line, announcing Wednesday a trade that sends defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick. Simultaneously, the Cowboys also dealt defensive tackle Solomon Thomas to the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round pick in April. The Cowboys will receive the 218th overall pick, while the Titans will get the 225th pick along with Thomas.

These moves come on the heels of Dallas acquiring Pro Bowler Kenny Clark and All-Pro Quinnen Williams, significantly bolstering the defensive tackle position. The Cowboys recently signed Otito Ogbonnia to provide depth alongside second-year player Jay Toia, after releasing Perrion Winfrey.

Odighizuwa Heads West

Odighizuwa, originally a third-round pick by the Cowboys in 2021, was selected from UCLA after earning First-Team All-Pac-12 honors. He steadily increased his production and impact throughout his time in Dallas. Despite adapting to a new scheme under Mike Zimmer last season, Odighizuwa achieved career highs with 4.5 sacks, 47 total tackles, and 23 quarterback hits – ten more than his previous best in that category.

That performance led to a four-year, $80 million contract extension in March 2025. Though, his production dipped slightly in 2025 as he adjusted to Matt Eberflus’ system, a transition complicated by the arrival of Clark and Williams. Now, Odighizuwa will look for a fresh start with the 49ers, a team desperately needing a boost to its pass rush.

San Francisco finished last in the NFL in sacks (20) in 2025, 31st in pressures, and 29th in pass rush win rate (29.2%). The 49ers managed only 4.5 sacks from players lined up at defensive tackle, with starters Kalia Davis and Jordan Elliott combining for just 0.5 sacks despite 516 pass-rush snaps. Elliott has since moved on to the Titans, and Davis became a restricted free agent.

Thomas Joins Familiar Faces in Nashville

Thomas joined the Cowboys last year on a two-year contract. While hampered by injuries during the 2025 season, he proved to be a valuable rotational player. He now reunites with Robert Saleh in Nashville, and more notably, with former Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton – for the third time in his career. Whitecotton is now the Titans’ defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach.

Financial Implications and Draft Capital

The Cowboys now gain a third-round pick, which they did not previously possess, and will see $16 million in salary come off their books, which will be the responsibility of San Francisco. Dallas also realizes $4.75 million in cap savings from the trade of Odighizuwa and an additional $2.5 million from releasing Thomas.

These moves signal a clear shift in Dallas’ defensive strategy, prioritizing proven veterans in Clark and Williams while creating financial flexibility and adding draft capital. The 49ers, meanwhile, are betting that Odighizuwa can revitalize their pass rush and provide a much-needed interior presence.

For the Titans, adding Thomas provides depth and experience to their defensive line, while reuniting him with a coach he’s familiar with could unlock his potential. The team is clearly focused on building a strong defensive front under Saleh and Whitecotton.

It’s worth noting that the NFL landscape is constantly evolving. Teams are always looking for ways to improve their rosters, and these trades demonstrate the willingness of the Cowboys, 49ers, and Titans to make bold moves to achieve their goals.

The Cowboys will look to build on their already strong defensive front with Clark and Williams leading the charge, while the 49ers hope Odighizuwa can provide the spark they desperately need. The Titans, meanwhile, are hoping Thomas can contribute to a defensive line that is poised to develop into a strength of the team.

The 2026 NFL Draft is still months away, but the Cowboys now have an additional third-round pick to utilize, giving them more flexibility to address other needs on their roster. The draft will be held in [location to be determined], and teams will be closely evaluating prospects from across the country.

Fans can follow the Cowboys, 49ers, and Titans throughout the offseason as they continue to prepare for the 2026 season. Official team websites and NFL media outlets will provide the latest updates on roster moves, training camp, and preseason games.

Next Up: The NFL free agency period continues, and teams will be looking to add more players to their rosters. The draft is scheduled for April, and teams will be preparing to select the next generation of NFL stars.