In the high-stakes world of NFL free agency, Dallas Cowboys owner and de facto general manager Jerry Jones has long been known for his cautious, almost frugal approach to big-ticket signings. Since inking cornerback Brandon Carr to a $50 million deal back in 2012, Jones has shied away from splashing cash on marquee free agents, a strategy that often draws criticism for being overly stingy. Fans and analysts alike have questioned whether this penny-pinching philosophy hinders the team’s chances of building a championship roster. But in the 2024 offseason, Jones’ restraint proved to be a stroke of genius, as the Cowboys dodged a bullet by passing on defensive tackle Christian Wilkins—a decision that’s already paying dividends.
A Tempting Target in 2024
Coming off a career-best season with the Miami Dolphins, Christian Wilkins was the crown jewel of the 2024 free agency class at defensive tackle. The 2019 first-round pick showcased his rare ability to dominate as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher, racking up nine sacks, 23 quarterback hits, 61 pressures, and a 69.2 run-defense grade, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). At just 28 years old, Wilkins seemed like a perfect fit to bolster Dallas’ defensive line alongside rising star Osa Odighizuwa. Cowboys fans were clamoring for Jones to open the checkbook and secure a game-changer for the interior.
But the Las Vegas Raiders swooped in, signing Wilkins to a massive four-year, $110 million contract with $82.75 million guaranteed and an annual average value of $27.5 million. For a player of Wilkins’ caliber, the deal seemed justifiable at the time. After all, elite interior defenders who can disrupt both the run and pass games are worth their weight in gold. However, less than two years later, that contract is already being labeled one of the worst in the NFL, and the Cowboys are quietly celebrating their decision to steer clear.
Wilkins’ Struggles in Las Vegas
According to NFL Spin Zone’s Lou Scataglia, Wilkins’ tenure with the Raiders has been nothing short of a letdown. A foot injury limited him to just five games in the 2025 NFL season, raising serious concerns about his durability as he approaches his 30th birthday. Scataglia points out that the signing was a classic case of former Raiders GM Tom Telesco chasing a “big fish” in free agency, only to overpay for a player whose absence has exposed the team’s lack of roster depth. For a franchise that gambled heavily on Wilkins to anchor their defensive front, the early returns have been disastrous.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, made a calculated choice to prioritize their homegrown talent over chasing a shiny new toy. By passing on Wilkins, Dallas preserved the financial flexibility to lock up Osa Odighizuwa, one of the NFL’s most dynamic interior defensive linemen, to a team-friendly extension in March 2025.
Odighizuwa: The Smart Bet
Odighizuwa, a third-round pick in 2021, has blossomed into a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense. Last season, he ranked among the top seven interior defensive linemen in pressures, sacks, quarterback hits, and pass-rush grade in true pass sets, per PFF. His four-year, $80 million extension, with an annual average value of $20 million and $39 million fully guaranteed, ranks 15th and 12th, respectively, among defensive tackles, according to Over The Cap. For a player of his caliber, that’s a bargain.
By choosing Odighizuwa over Wilkins, the Cowboys not only secured a younger, healthier, and equally impactful player but also avoided the risks associated with Wilkins’ massive contract. Odighizuwa’s versatility and relentless motor make him a perfect fit for Dallas’ defensive scheme, and his extension ensures stability on the defensive line for years to come.
A Lesson in Patience
Cowboys fans were vocal in 2024, demanding that Jones pursue any number of high-profile defensive tackles—whether it was Wilkins, Grover Stewart, D.J. Reader, or Sheldon Rankins. The pressure was on to make a splash and address a perceived weakness in the trenches. But Jones and the Cowboys’ front office held firm, trusting their scouting and long-term vision over the allure of a blockbuster signing.
In hindsight, that patience has been vindicated. While Wilkins’ injury woes and hefty price tag weigh heavily on the Raiders, Dallas is reaping the rewards of their disciplined approach. Odighizuwa’s emergence as a top-tier defensive tackle, combined with the team’s financial flexibility, positions the Cowboys to continue building a competitive roster without the burden of a contract that’s quickly becoming an albatross.
Jones’ Frugality Pays Off
Jerry Jones may never be known for spending like a “drunken sailor,” but his decision to bypass Christian Wilkins in 2024 proves that sometimes, less is more. By avoiding a $110 million disaster and investing in their own talent, the Cowboys have set themselves up for success while the Raiders are left to pick up the pieces. For once, Jones’ frugal ways have Dallas fans breathing a sigh of relief—and maybe even raising a glass to their owner’s savvy decision-making.