Dallas Cowboys Eyeing Free Agent Pass Rusher Odafe Oweh After Defense Struggles

The Dallas Cowboys are entering a crucial offseason following another disappointing playoff miss in the 2025 NFL season. With the Cowboys’ defense facing significant struggles last year and the loss of star players like Micah Parsons, Jerry Jones is expected to make bold moves to reshape the team. After trading Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, the Cowboys have gained cap flexibility and extra draft capital, putting them in position to make a splash in free agency.

One of the biggest areas of need for Dallas is pass rush, especially after the departure of Parsons. This offseason, the Cowboys have been linked to a potential free-agent signing who could help fill that void: Odafe Oweh, a pass rusher who played in the 2025 season for both the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Cowboys’ Defense and Need for Reinforcements

The 2025 Cowboys defense was, by most accounts, a major disappointment. With the loss of Parsons and Trevon Diggs, the defense struggled to maintain its usual level of dominance. Dallas’ defense allowed more points than expected and lacked the playmaking ability that had been synonymous with the team in past seasons. As a result, bolstering the defensive line and pass rush will be a primary focus for Jerry Jones this offseason.

Chris Spiering of ClutchPoints pointed out that the Cowboys need several pieces to restore the defensive dominance that once defined the franchise, especially with the absence of Parsons. “Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons are gone, so they need veteran talent to get back to the roots of this franchise,” Spiering wrote.

With a glaring hole in the pass rush and a need for veteran leadership, Oweh could be the answer for Dallas.

Odafe Oweh’s Fit with the Cowboys

Oweh, who is projected to earn $19.3 million per season according to Spotrac, is seen as a solid, yet affordable option for the Cowboys. The 27-year-old pass rusher is coming off a solid season where he racked up 38 total tackles and 7.5 sacks in 17 regular-season games between the Ravens and the Chargers. While those numbers aren’t overwhelming, they do demonstrate Oweh’s consistency and ability to contribute to a pass rush.

Oweh’s career totals include 30.5 sacks in 79 games, with 10 sacks coming in 2024, showcasing his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Given his youth and experience, Oweh is likely to have several productive years left, and his expected contract — around $57.9 million over three years — could represent solid value for the Cowboys, especially as they look to replace the production lost after trading Parsons.

What Would Oweh Bring to the Cowboys?

The Cowboys would gain a reliable edge rusher in Oweh, who could quickly become a key contributor on the defense. His experience in both Baltimore and Los Angeles has shaped him into a solid pass rusher who can consistently pressure the quarterback. While he may not yet be considered an elite player, Oweh is a reliable option who could provide a steady presence opposite of DeMarcus Lawrence.

Oweh’s ability to rush the passer is especially important as the Cowboys work to rebuild their defense. His potential to contribute to the team’s pass rush would allow Dallas to focus more on other areas of need while also strengthening a crucial part of their defense.

The Future of the Cowboys’ Defense

The Dallas Cowboys are looking at a pivotal offseason, especially with the defensive struggles of the 2025 season. Bringing in Odafe Oweh could be one of the first steps in improving their defense and filling the hole left by Parsons. With Jerry Jones committed to winning now and with the Cowboys’ financial flexibility, adding a pass rusher like Oweh makes sense as they look to remain competitive in the NFC.

While the deal is not finalized yet, the interest in Oweh is a clear indication that the Cowboys are looking to improve their defense and return to being a formidable team in the postseason. This move would also add depth and a potential impact player to the Cowboys’ pass rush, making them a more complete team as they enter the 2026 season.

Key Takeaways:

• The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bolster their pass rush this offseason after struggling defensively in 2025.

• The Cowboys have been linked to free-agent pass rusher Odafe Oweh, who is expected to earn $19.3 million per season.

• Oweh has shown consistency throughout his career, posting 30.5 career sacks and 10 sacks in 2024.

• Oweh could provide the Cowboys with a reliable option at edge rusher, helping to fill the gap left by the trade of Micah Parsons.

• The Cowboys’ front office, led by Jerry Jones, is expected to make aggressive moves to improve the defense as they look to contend for a Super Bowl in 2026.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Dallas Cowboys l