Cowboys Receive Backlash for “Cruel” Trade of Osa Odighizuwa

Dallas Cowboys fans are expressing their frustration and disappointment over a trade involving star defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, calling the move “cruel” and a sign of the cold-hearted nature of the NFL. On Wednesday evening, the Cowboys executed two trades that left many fans upset. The first involved sending Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick. The second saw Solomon Thomas and a seventh-round pick go to the Tennessee Titans for another seventh-round pick.

Odighizuwa, who had signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Cowboys last offseason, is now the odd-man-out on Dallas’ defensive line. Over the past year, the Cowboys have made notable moves to strengthen their defense, including trading for Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and Rashan Gary. These acquisitions have made it difficult for Odighizuwa to maintain his place, and the Cowboys decided to part ways with him to free up cap space and spread the money around to other positions.

However, the trade has left many fans feeling that Jerry Jones and the Cowboys organization have treated Odighizuwa unfairly.

A “Kick in the Pants” for Osa Odighizuwa

The backlash stems from the revelation shared by NFL Network insider Jane Slater, who reported that Odighizuwa took less money to stay in Dallas last offseason, turning down a more lucrative offer from the Washington Commanders. According to Slater, Odighizuwa had just built a new house and was willing to take a pay cut to remain in Dallas.

Slater’s comment highlights how difficult and cruel this business can be, especially when a player makes personal sacrifices for the team. “The kick in the pants for Osa here is the Commanders offered far more money last year, but Osa wanted to stay in Dallas and took significantly less to do it. He also just built a new house,” Slater reported.

This has left many fans feeling that the Cowboys’ decision to trade Odighizuwa so soon after his commitment and sacrifice is callous and shows the cold nature of the NFL. NFL players are often forced to make tough decisions about their future, and Odighizuwa’s loyalty to the Cowboys seems to have been overlooked in favor of financial considerations.

Fans React with Outrage

The reaction from fans has been swift and harsh. Many have criticized the Cowboys organization for trading a player who made personal sacrifices to stay, only to be sent away for a third-round draft pick in return. One fan expressed frustration with the move, calling the Cowboys an “embarrassing organization” and saying that this would perpetuate their reputation as a “joke.” Another fan added, “He’s going to wreck house when he comes back to Dallas and probably have the game-winning sack and they deserve every bit of what’s going to happen to them.” The sentiment seems to be that the trade will come back to haunt the Cowboys, as Odighizuwa could come back to haunt them in future matchups.

Another fan simply described the trade as “cruel,” reflecting the emotional reaction many have had to the news. For some, it’s not just about the trade itself but the betrayal felt by a player who had shown loyalty to the team and been willing to sacrifice financially for a chance to stay with the Cowboys.

Should Fans Feel Bad for Osa?

So, should NFL fans feel bad for Osa Odighizuwa? Given his loyalty to the Cowboys, the sacrifices he made to stay, and the apparent lack of gratitude shown by the organization in return, it’s understandable why many fans feel sympathy for him. The move, although part of the business, seems to have come at a personal cost for Odighizuwa, especially considering the circumstances.

The nature of the NFL as a business is often harsh, but it’s also important to acknowledge the human side of these decisions. For Odighizuwa, this trade means a fresh start with the 49ers, but it’s clear that his commitment to the Cowboys and his personal sacrifices for the team have made this transition a bitter one.

As for the Cowboys, the trade is a reminder that in the NFL, loyalty doesn’t always guarantee job security, and even a player who takes less money to stay with the team can be traded away when the business side of the sport calls for it.