The Dallas Cowboys are already home to one of the NFL’s premier defensive tackles, Osa Odighizuwa, who secured a massive contract extension earlier this offseason. But could America’s Team be on the verge of assembling an interior defensive line that strikes fear into every offense in the league? A tantalizing opportunity has just emerged that could make that dream a reality.
The Las Vegas Raiders have parted ways with star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL. The decision stemmed from a disagreement over Wilkins’ recovery from a foot injury, leaving the former Miami Dolphins standout as a free agent. For the Cowboys, this could be the golden ticket to pair Wilkins with Odighizuwa, potentially creating the most dominant defensive tackle duo in football.
Wilkins’ availability presents Dallas with a chance to address a glaring need on their defensive front. The Cowboys have been searching for a reliable partner for Odighizuwa, especially with 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith struggling to live up to expectations. Smith’s lackluster performance—evidenced by his abysmal Pro Football Focus grades of 49.8 and 34.8 in his first two seasons—has left a void in the Cowboys’ defensive line. Wilkins, a proven game-changer, could be the perfect solution.
In 2023, Wilkins showcased his elite talent with the Miami Dolphins, racking up 65 tackles and an impressive nine sacks. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass games makes him a rare commodity, and the Cowboys could capitalize on his availability with a strategic, incentive-heavy one-year deal. Such a contract would allow Wilkins to prove his health and value while giving Dallas a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to bolster their roster.
Of course, this potential blockbuster comes with its share of uncertainties. Wilkins underwent foot surgery, and the Raiders’ dissatisfaction reportedly stemmed from his refusal to undergo a second procedure. Questions linger about when—or if—Wilkins will return to the field, and whether he can recapture the form that made him one of the league’s top defensive tackles. A healthy Wilkins would be a massive upgrade over Smith, but an injured or diminished version could complicate matters.
Additionally, Wilkins’ financial situation adds another layer of complexity. After having $35.4 million in guaranteed money voided by the Raiders, he may be reluctant to accept a bargain deal. His proven track record could command a premium, even on a short-term contract, and the Cowboys would need to weigh the cost against the potential reward.
Despite the uncertainties, the Cowboys would be wise to explore this opportunity. Pairing Wilkins with Odighizuwa could transform Dallas’ defense into an unstoppable force, capable of collapsing pockets and stonewalling rushing attacks. Even if Wilkins isn’t at his 2023 peak, his experience and skill set would likely outshine Smith’s contributions thus far.
Elsewhere, the Cowboys have seen flashes of brilliance from other defensive standouts, like Donovan Ezeiruaku, who has been virtually unblockable in training camp, and a new defensive end who’s earning praise as the “last man on the field” after practice. Adding Wilkins to this mix could elevate the entire unit, giving Dallas a legitimate chance to dominate the trenches.
The Cowboys stand at a crossroads. Do they stick with the underwhelming status quo, or do they roll the dice on a proven star like Christian Wilkins? Inquiring about his availability is a no-brainer. If Dallas can structure a deal that mitigates risk while unlocking Wilkins’ potential, they could create a defensive tackle tandem that sends shockwaves through the NFL. The time to act is now—America’s Team might just be one blockbuster move away from building a championship-caliber defense.