$80 million Cowboy cuts to chase, a 'Sharp defense' is on theway in 2025

With so many offseason changes, the Dallas Cowboys defense looks less like a finished product and more like a blacksmith's forge; sparks flying, heat rising, weapons in the making.

One person not rattled by the shift? Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who says this group is in a phase where they’re “sharpening [their] swords.”In a recent, exclusive interview, the newly-minted $80 million man said fans should "expect a sharp defense” as things are already shaping up and key pieces are still on their way back.

“I like the way our defense looks right now,” he told me. “You got some guys that are on their way back. I’m excited to see what Sam [Williams] does. I’m very, very excited to see what Sam does. We’re getting [DeMarvion Overshown] back at some point during the season, so that’s gonna be great.”

Between bringing in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and losing longtime tone-setter DeMarcus Lawrence, a new identity is being crafted. And Osa isn’t just here for it, he’s helping design it.

Odighizuwa has always been a lead-by-example guy, but when we talked, he acknowledged stepping into more of a vocal leadership role this year. Not by changing who he is, but by speaking up where it matters.

“I’m not gonna change my style,” he said. “Just be a little more vocal, speak where I see fit. The good thing is we brought in some good guys that are a little bit older. They’ve got good heads on their shoulders as well and don’t necessarily need someone to follow.”

Among those “good guys” are veteran additions like Solomon Thomas and Kaiir Elam, players Odighizuwa says “pop out on tape,” put in extra work, and lead by example in their own right.

And that extra work is critical this time of year. Odighizuwa made it clear that every member of the defense is held to a certain standard that it’s up to them to reach by training camp. 

“Especially playing for Coach Eberflus,” he emphasized, “you gotta be in great shape. You gotta be in championship condition.”

This defense knows there’s no easing into the season. Every rep is a weapon being sharpened. Every meeting, every lift, every film session, it’s all preparation for battle.

And Osa Odighizuwa? He’s not just sharpening his sword. He’s helping the whole armory gear up.

To hear more from him, including thoughts on leadership, conditioning, and also some surprising anime takes, check out the full interview.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys DT Osa Odighizuwa excited about 'sharp' Eberflus defense