“We’re going to be selectively aggressive out here.” Those were the words of Jerry Jones’ son, Stephen, when he was asked about the Cowboys’ approach this offseason. This “selectively aggressive” comment came after a year his father said the Cowboys were going “all-in” and ended up having a 7-10 season. So it’s pretty safe to say that catch phrase was a bust. With that being said, Stephen’s catch phrase is working out pretty well right now. Dallas is actually going with a selectively aggressive approach. They have just offered a mammoth contract extension to one of their home-grown player, like they did with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last summer.

Osa Odighizuwa, whom the Cowboys picked 75th overall in 2021, has never missed a game in Dallas. Playing 67 straight encounters starting 63 of them. And after coming off a career-high season where he notched up 4.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 1 FF, and 1 pass deflection, the Cowboys have made him a rich man (deservedly). ESPN’s Adam Schefter just announced the Cowboys DT signed a 4-year, $80M contract with eye-watering guarantees. With $58M in guaranteed cash and $20M in signing bonus, Odighizuwa suddenly ranks among the highest-paid defensive linemen in the league.

This shows the Cowboys were not willing to allow Osa to hit free agency. Neither did they prefer franchise tagging him, which would have cost them $25.1M. If they had taken that route, it would have been the 7th time in 8 years they used franchise tag to keep hold of a player. Well, franchise tagging Odighizuwa wouldn’t have taken them anywhere. Because there was no chance the Cowboys would have let Odighizuwa leave, considering his massive presence in their D-line.

172 tackles and 13.5 sacks in just 4 years were enough to convince the Cowboys to throw the bag at Osa’s feet. But this isn’t the end of the Cowboys’ possible upcoming extensions. Odighizuwa’s fellow D-line members like CB Jourdan Lewis, DE Chauncey Golston, and LB Eric Kendricks are all set to hit free agency. And for sure, the Cowboys wouldn’t want all of them to test the free agent market, right? Odighizuwa’s future is sorted. One domino has fallen. Next up could be star pass rusher Micah Parsons. He is also expected to sign a lucrative deal. But there’s still no timeline to it.

So, with the Cowboys looking to wrap some deals up before March 12th, it seems Jerry Jones is catching strays because of his questionable trades last season. Remember the one with Jonathan Mingo? Yes, that one.

Jerry Jones put to the guillotine after Deebo Samuel’s move to the Commanders

Deebo Samuel’s move to the Commanders had nothing to do with Jerry Jones. But still, it had everything to do with him because of his horrendous dealings. See, Samuel only had one down year after helping the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII. 51 catches for 670 yards, and next month he was out. Yes, there were some weight concerns, but there’s no doubt that Samuel is a star receiver. And for him, the 49ers received a 5th-round pick from the Commanders. Washington basically gave Jayden Daniels another infinity stone to his gauntlet for the value of peanuts. So, with the Commanders adding more firepower to their offense, naturally, their NFC East rivals were fuming.

They instantly started calling out Jerry Jones for his Jonathan Mingo trade. Mingo, who was coming off the Panthers averaging just 9.9 yards per catch in two seasons, was traded for a 4th-round pick. So, the Cowboys Nation were quick to call out Jones because of it, “Just a reminder that Jerry Jones gave up a FOURTH-ROUND PICK for Jonathan Mingo. The Commanders just got DEEBO SAMUEL for a FIFTH.” 

Well, more bashing followed as another fan quipped, “Jerry Jones needs to stop trading picks for players. Deebo Samuel for a 5th. Jonathan Mingo for a 4th. I don’t care how much money the Commanders are taking on. The talent acquisition speaks for itself. Do better Jerry.” Maybe Jones actually went through these comments. Considering he didn’t let Osa hit free agency and played with his future. He might have learned a lesson or two from last season. As for the Cowboys Nation, they will be hoping he continues to splash the cash on players who must stay for them to go back where they belong—in the Super Bowl.