The former Cowboys defensive lineman will return to AT&T Stadium in Week 10 as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
The Dallas Cowboys' decision to trade defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers this offseason came down, as simply as football business can be described, to two factors: fit and value.
Defensive coordinator Christian Parker joining the organization altered how Odighizuwa would fit along the defensive line as a new scheme is implemented. Other recent investments like Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Donovan Ezeiruaku also return to fill their roles.
Odighizuwa, a versatile D-tackle since his third-round selection in 2021, wasn't thought to have a firm fit in the rotation.
And when it comes to Dallas' always-coveted NFL Draft treasure chest, there was room to seek a trade. The Cowboys likely viewed Odighizuwa's plateau-like production to be of concern in recent years, so they acted.
With the Cowboys lacking a pick in Day 2 of this year's draft, the organization probably figured Odighizuwa's current value is just shy of what a top-100 pick is valued at in this year's draft.
The Cowboys netted pick No. 92 from the 49ers in the exchange. San Francisco gains a strong leader and experienced rotational lineman. Dallas inherits the draft capital it wanted, offloads some salary, and selects D-line reinforcements in the draft (Malachi Lawrence in Round 1, linebacker Jaishawn Barham at pick No. 92, and tackle LT Overton in the fourth round).
Fair swap both ways, right?
Of course, that is, until you get the perspective of the player whose professional life is uprooted after five loyal seasons in Dallas. And rightfully so.
Upon the 2026 schedule release, you'll see how Osa's Niners visit the Cowboys in Arlington in Week 10.
The storied NFC franchises have been intertwined in a rivalry that dates back decades. But this particular story is a more modern point of focus.
Former player-turned-analyst Richard Sherman hosted Odighizuwa on his podcast, and when probed with the question of which game he might be eager to play in most, Odighizuwa took us inside how his thoughts of 49ers-Cowboys have evolved.
"Speaking to the rivalry, this is a game that for a long time, it’s the game that you got a picture on a dartboard, and you’re throwing the knife at the picture," Odighizuwa said of when he'd line up to face the Cowboys' rivals.
"And now I just take down the picture, and I put up the other picture, and I’m on the other side of it. But the energy is exactly the same."
The Cowboys, at full strength, will feature a carbon-copy offensive line as last year with Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker and Terence Steele lining up left to right.
It's the same group Odighizuwa lined up against for years in practice. But on the other side of the line of scrimmage, in full uniform rather than practice pennys, the emotions will be surging like never before.
For Dallas, it's a story that has already been experienced once before.
Micah Parsons made his return to AT&T Stadium early in the 2025 season after his contract impasse led to a trade to the Green Bay Packers last August.
The Cowboys would tie the Packers 40-40 in overtime, with Parsons' sack of Dak Prescott late in the game playing a crucial part in the final score.
Odighizuwa will look to have a similar impact in his return on Nov. 15.
He's got the date circled in red and will be sharpening the blade.
