Jerry Jones' biggest defensive decision is already facing questions

Jerry Jones reshaped the Dallas Cowboys' defense throughout the offseason, moving several veterans while bringing in new faces. One of those decisions continues to draw scrutiny after an ESPN analyst questioned whether Dallas traded away the wrong defensive tackle.

Jerry Jones faces questions on Osa Odighizuwa's move

The Cowboys surprised many around the NFL when they traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers for the No. 92 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The move gave Dallas additional draft capital and created salary cap flexibility, but ESPN's Seth Walder believes Jones and the Cowboys moved the wrong player.

Walder argued that Odighizuwa was the better long-term choice because he is younger, earns less than Kenny Clark and has arguably played at a higher level in recent seasons. He added that Dallas may have held onto Clark because he arrived as part of the Micah Parsons trade, making another move involving the veteran more difficult from a public relations standpoint.

From the Cowboys' perspective, the trade was about more than replacing one defensive tackle with another. Dallas entered the offseason with three interior defensive linemen earning roughly $20 million per year, making the position one of the roster's biggest financial commitments. Moving Odighizuwa reduced that burden while adding another top-100 draft selection.

The decision also opens opportunities for younger players. Otito Ogbonnia, Jay Toia and Jonathan Bullard could all see larger roles behind Clark and Quinnen Williams as defensive coordinator Christian Parker continues reshaping the unit. The Cowboys are betting Clark can return to the Pro Bowl form he displayed during his years with the Green Bay Packers after a full offseason in Dallas.

Whether Jones made the right call will not be clear until the 2026 season unfolds. If Clark anchors the defensive line and Dallas benefits from the extra draft pick, the trade will be easier to defend. If Odighizuwa thrives in San Francisco while the Cowboys struggle inside, questions about Jones' decision are likely to grow louder.

More NFL news: 

• Jerry Jones' offseason overhaul comes down to one Cowboys question
• Jerry Jones' Cowboys offseason plans take early hit after veteran injury
• Cowboys eye 3 late free agents with one classic Jerry Jones move in play
• Jerry Jones faces unwelcome advice as 6× Pro Bowler urges George Pickens to take different route
• Jerry Jones’ costly CB problem could push Cowboys back to 1st round