The 49ers' most important offseason acquisition? Surprise: It's not Mike Evans
Osa Odighizuwa was blindsided and devastated. And it was clear last week that the defensive tackle is feeling a lingering sting after he was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the San Francisco 49ers less than three months ago.
But the tough transition has been made more tolerable by the welcome he has received from his new employer. There was no parade or red carpet. But there have been unmistakable thank-heavens-you're-here vibes.
"It took me a little while (to get over the trade), but I knew everyone (here) was excited to have me," Odighizuwa said. "So that was something that just made me feel better. I'm very much wanted. I'm very much needed."
The 49ers' splashiest acquisition this spring was wide receiver Mike Evans, 32, whose late-career stop in Santa Clara could be part of a path that ends in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Odighizuwa, 27, lacks the same pedigree. But a compelling case can be made that he's the 49ers' most vital offseason addition after their interior defensive line fell apart like wet bread last season.
More For You
Brandon Aiyuk says 49ers are ‘scared' in cryptic social media rant over stalled exit
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk shared on social media his thoughts about why the team has not yet cut him loose, while also offering some ungenerous sentiments about it.
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn't regret?
Former first-rounder Mac Jones had plenty to worry about before getting his career back on track with the 49ers. Here's how San Francisco's backup QB puts his mind at ease.
Addressing their mushy middle was notably the top item on the 49ers' to-do list. They initially made a spirited push for Broncos defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, the top defensive tackle on the free-agent market, but owner Jed York said Franlin-Myers' agent cited California's state-income taxes as a reason his client signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Titans.
After missing out, the 49ers pivoted to Odighizuwa, whom the Cowboys deemed expendable due to their glut of high-priced defensive linemen. The 49ers traded a third-round pick for Odighizuwa, a five-year veteran who signed a four-year, $80 million contract extension last year that dwarfs Evans' deal (three years, $42.5 million).
For the 49ers, the cost in draft-pick compensation and cap space was steep - Odighizuwa is scheduled to count about $52 million against the cap over the next three seasons - but necessary after last year's shortcomings.
"We really believe," general manager John Lynch said, "that he's going to impact who we are in all facets of the game."
Odighizuwa's 52 quarterback pressures ranked sixth in the NFL among defensive tackles in 2025 during a season in which he had 3.5 sacks and 23 QB hits in 420 pass-rush snaps. Last year, the 49ers' starting defensive tackles, Kalia Davis and Jordan Elliott, combined for 0.5 sacks, four QB hits and 24 pressures in 516 pass-rush snaps.
Davis and Elliott were part of a unit that ranked last in the NFL in sacks (20), tied for last in QB hits (58) and finished 20th in yards allowed per rushing attempt (4.3), the 49ers' lowest ranking since 2016.
The 49ers didn't retain Davis and Elliott, who signed modest free-agent deals with the Browns and Titans, respectively. And they are planning on Odighizuwa being a vital piece of a revitalized front four that will benefit from the returns of All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams, who combined to miss 22 games last year due to torn ACLs.
Lynch referenced their injuries, and the addition of Odighizuwa, when discussing the importance of a bounce-back season in area that's vital to NFL success.
"You want (quarterbacks) to have to perform under duress," Lynch said. "It's the great equalizer in today's football. So much is set up for the offense to have success. Can you put that quarterback under duress? Can you hit that quarterback? Can you pressure that quarterback? We fell short of that last year."
Odighizuwa isn't grizzled, but he's the graybeard in his position group. The 49ers' other top defensive tackles included two 2025 draft picks, Alfred Collins (second round) and CJ West (fourth), and rookie fourth-round pick Gracen Halton.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Odighizuwa has already emerged as one of the 49ers' best leaders, which is notable given the team's host of established stars.
"Just how he works, how thorough he is on everything and what he does on his own," Shanahan said. "Bringing guys along with him. Everyone from Dallas told us this and it's been that way. He has been a stud."
There was deep affection for Odighizuwa in Dallas. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said he and Odighizuwa cried on the phone together after the trade.
Odighizuwa developed strong bonds partly due to tragedy. Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide at 24 in November and Odighizuwa, a close friend who had already spoken out about the importance of prioritizing mental health, served as the de facto team spokesman after his death. Odighizuwa left the field with Kneeland's jersey after games and entered carrying a flag with his jersey number before kickoff.
"Osa Odighizuwa was a stand-up human for all five of his seasons in Dallas," the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Nick Harris said on social media after the trade. "From a culture standpoint, this is one of the biggest losses the team could have taken."
Odighizuwa was rocked by a trade he didn't see coming. He has regained his footing since joining the 49ers, who are thrilled to have him, but moving on completely might require more time.
"There's definitely a lot of love (with the Cowboys) that I still have," Odighizuwa said. "… So it's definitely one of those that hurt. It's the business, something I'd never experienced before, but it kind of is what it is.
"Gotta always say this: bury the dead, feed the living. What happened, happened. I can only do the best with what I have, be where my feet are and make the most of the opportunity I have in front of me."
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.